
Class . 

Book 



COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT 



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HISTORY 



OF 



SEYMOUR 



CONNECTICUT. 



WITH 



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BIOGRAPHIES AND GENEALOGIES. 



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(By W. C. SHA^R^E. 



copYR)G^y;f''<(>; 



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RECORD PRINT. 

sp:ymour, conn 

IS71). 







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Euteifd. according to act of Congress, in the year 18711, h\ Willi a.m i 
111 tlie office of the Librarian of Congre.ss, at M'ashiugton. 



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P K E r A C E . 



In the suniiiKT of 1S7(> several historical sketches were published in the 
Skvmouk Re('OKD, and with a view to put these sketches in more conven- 
ient form for preservation the ty])e was made up in book form, commcnicinjr 
witJi page eight, and then proceeding to s<!arch the old records for additional 
matters of local interest, the work has gr(»wn to the present form. Owing to 
to the limited time which could be spared from other duties for this purpose, 
and having been printed in sections from time to tinu', as there was oppor- 
tunity, it is not so systematically arranged as could be desired; yet it is hoped 
and believed that the volume contains a large amount of information which 
will be of interest to all who have resided for any considerable length of time 
in this innuediate xicinity. 

In glancing over these jiages some may inconsiderately call this or that 
statement or date incorrect, but most of them have been veritied by old 
manuscripts and records, often a cousiderable time having been si)ent in 
sifting down and correcting accounts which have been given from memory or 
tradition. The writer will be grateful to any persons discerning errors in this 
volume if they will torward to him the particulars. ><'o doubt there are nuiny 
old and forgotten manuscrijjts laid away in garrets or closets, which would 
be highly valued by anti(|uarians and (ill many an interesting page for the 
general readei-. The composition of such a work as this may be an easy matter, 
but the collection of the nuiterial recpiires long and |)atient research in hundreds 
of volumes and faded, worn and s(»metimes almost illegible nuinuscripts. The 
writer acknowledges indebtedness to Ivev. S. C. Leonard, lU'v. Sylvester Suiith 
and I>. VV. Smith, Es(i., for sketches of the sc^veral churches, and to C. (?. 
Haldwin of Cleveland, Ohio, and others for much valuable information. 
The following works have been used for reference or ([notation : Savage's 
Dictionary of the Early Settlers, Dwight's Travels, Lambert's TListory of 
New Haven Colony, TrumbulTs History of Connecticut, IJarber's ('onnecticut 
Historical Collections, Colonial H(!cords of Coniu'cticut, I'eters' History of 
Connecticut, and Cothren's Plistory of Woodbury. 

Prices of i)r()duce, (itc, have occasionally l)oen given as a basis of com- 
parison of values in (earlier times and the present, and many comparatively 
unimportant incidents recorded which may some tinu' b(> helps in fixing dates 
oi- deciding nuitters of greater interest. 

References to the town or its records previous to the division in ISilO will 
be understood as referring to the town of Derby. 

Hoping that the perusal of the work nniy be a source of pleasure to all 
its readers, and that our elderly friends who have been faniiliar with nuiny 
of the occurrences descrilxul may Ixi gratified with the memoric^s of "Auld 
Lang Syne," tln^ "unwritten history," which will be called to mind, this \-()lume 
in resi)ectfullv submitted. 

\V. C. SlIAIM'E. 

Seymour, Nov. i;}t!i, 187.S. 



^HE early settlers were too much occupied in the arduous lahors required 
^^ in establishing homes in the wilderness to pay any unnecessary attention 
tt to the recording of their transactions, and the merest mention here and 
^ there, with occasional documents which have been handed down, afford 
'j^) but scant material for a narration of their lives, labors and liberties. 
This portion of the valley of the Nangatuck was first distinguished by the 
Falls, as the most remarkable feature of the kind in the length of the river. 
The long ridge of rock, through an opening of which the water rushed, foamiug 
and tossing, into the depths below, were well known to the whites, as well as 
the red men, at a very early date. The especially fine fishing below the rocks, 
and the abundant game on the forest-clothed hills and in the natural meadows 
of the vales, were grand attractions to the hunter, trapper and fisherman, 
whether of aboriginal or Anglo-Saxon blood. Dr. Trumbull, is his history of 
Connecticut, says that as early as 1633 there was a tribe of Pequot Indians 
at the "Falls of the Naugatuc." 

It appears from the early colonial records that the lands were generally 
purchased of the Indians by the early settlers at a fair valuation ; indeed, Ur. 
Trumbull, (p. 174:-5) says that "many of the adventurers expended more iu 
making settlements than all the lands and buildings were worth after all the 
improvements they had made upon them." In the account of the settlement 
of the controversy between Connecticut and Massachusetts in regard to the 
boundary line, the 107,973 acres awarded to Connecticut were "sold in sixteen 
shares, in 171G, for * * * a little more than a farthing an acre, and shows of 
what small value land was esteemed at that day. It affords also a striking 
demonstration, that, considering the expense of purchasing them of the natives, 
and of defending, they cost our ancestors five, if not ten, times their value." 

In 1604, Okenance or Akenanco was sachem of "Pagassett,"* and 
Ansantwan (sometimes written Ansantawae,) were chiefs, as appears in a deed 
given by them to Lieut. Thomas Wheeler, April 4th, 1064. Towtaemoe was 
then a sachem of another portion of the valley, according to a deed given 
Jan. 6th, l()e4, by Lieut. Thomas Wheeler of Pagassett to Alexander Bryan 
of Milford. The land conveyed was "bounded witli I'otatuck river southwest, 
Naugatuck river northeast, & bound(;d on the northwest with trees marke'd by 
Towtaemoe, sachem, containing forty acres, more or less." 

* This name is spelled in various ways, as Paujiassett, Paguasuck, &lc. Also the Naugatuck 
varies in orthography from Nau-ko-tunk to Naguatock< In copying old manuscript records the 
original spelling of the names is followed, although there are sometimes difl'ereut spellings iu the 



6 SEYMOUK AND VICINITY. 

Of the grants to settlers by tlie proprietors, in lawful meeting, the follow- 
ing from the Derby records is a specimen. 

"The inhabitants of Paugassett met together on April the 5th, 1671, and 
have granted to Ebenezer Johnson a tract of land bounded on the north side 
with the common land, and on the west side with the great river, and on the 
south side with the Devil's Jump, so called, and on the east with the common 
land, and the said Ebenezer Johnson is engaged to build and fence and inhabit 
on this land within the space of time of two years after the date hereof: and if 
the said Ebenezer fulfill not the terms hereof the land is to return to the in- 
habitants again: and the said Ebenezer is to make a sufficient highway 
between his fence and the hill, and so maintain it." 

On the first of April, 1692, "Huntawah and Conchupatany, Indians of 
Paguasuck," sold to David Wooster "a certain parcell of land on the north- 
west side of Naguatock river, in the road that goeth to Eimmon, the long 
plain soe called in the bounds of Derby, be it bounded with Nagatuck river 
south and east, and north and west witli the great rocks." 

'Conquepotana and Ahuntaway, chieftains at Paugusset, on the 17th of 
June, 1685, in behalf of themselves and other Indians, sold to Robert Treat, 
Esq., Samuel Eells, Benjamin Fenn, Thomas Clark, and Sylvrfnus Baldwin, 
agents of Milford, a tract of land "lying above the path which goeth from 
New Haven to Derby, and bounded with said path south, and a brook called 
Bladen's brook, (on the south side of Scucurra,* or Snake Hill,) north, with 
the line that is the bounds between New Haven and Milford, east, and the 
line that is the bounds between Derby and IMilford, west, which said land was 
a mile and six score rods in breadth throughout the length of it." The Indians 
"reserved the liberty of hunting on this ground." ' 

'A purchase was made on the 29th of February, 1700, by Robert Treat, 
Esq., Mr. Thomas Clark, Sen., Samuel Buckingham, Sen., Lieut. Sylvanus 
Baldwin, and Ensign George Clark, agents for JMilford, of a tract of land 
"lying northward of Bladen's brook, unto a brook called Lebanon brook, 
bounded north by said Lebanon brook, east by New Haven land, south by 
Bladen's brook, and west by the line between Derby and Milford ; said land 
being a mile and six score rods in breadth." The considerarion given for this 
land was £15 in pay,t and 15,s-. in silver. The dectl was signed by nine In- 
dians, viz : Conquepotana, Ahantaway, Rasquenoot, ^\'aurarruntou, Won- 
ountacun, Pequit, Snckatash, Durquin, and Windham. This tract of laud 
was divided and laid out, in 1759, into one hundred and ninety -five shares or 
rights and is commonly called the "two bit purchase," from the circumstance 
of each buyer of a right paying for the same two Spanish bits, of eight 
twelve and a half cent pieces. This imrchase now forms the northwest part 
of Woodbridge.' (Milford Record. Vt.l. II.) 

'Another and the last purchase of land within the old patent bounds of 
Milford, was made by the same committee, on the 2od of February, 1702, of the 
same Indians, for £5 in money, or otherwise, £7 10s. in pay,t bound south by 
Lebanon brook, east by JNIilford and New Haven line, north by Beacon Hill 
river or Waterbury line, and west by the line between Derby and ^Milford ; 
being a mile and six score rods in width. This was called the "one bit pur- 
chase,'' and was laid out in 1769, into one hundred and eighty-seven whole 
share rights. This land is now the western part of Bethany. (Milford 
Record, Vol. 15, page 281.) Thus it appears that Milford once extended 
twenty miles north to Waterbury line, but its territory has been ceeded to 

* Now culled Ski)konit. t !^ee. expkuiutioii of currency terms on page S. 



SEYMOUK AND VICINITY. 7 

help fonii (tther towns, till it is now contracted into a little tiianule, of aljont 
six miles in length on each side.' — hdiibcrf.s Historj/ of the Colony of Xeiv 
Ha rot. 

On the lath of Ang., 1()1>.'3, a tract of land "known by ye name of Aces- 
((nantook and Ivockhonsehill, bounih'd south with ye Four Mile lirook, nortli 
with ye Five Mile J>rook, east with Woodbury road as it now is, and west 
with ye Great Kiver," was sold to "\Vm. Tomlinson, Senior and Junior, and 
widow Hannah Tomlinson, James Hard, Johnathan Lum and Timothy 
VVooster," for twenty pouiuls, by Mawquash, Cheshconeeg, Neighbor Kutt, 
Cockapatouch, Xonnawauk, Wouson, Keuxon, Karetoon, Tarchun, Kashkau- 
noot, Chomasfeet, proprietors of Weeseantook, with the consent of their saga- 
mores. The acknowledgement was made before Justice Ebenezer Johnson. 
Four ]Mile Brook is the stream flowing into the Housatonic at Sfjuantuck, and 
Five ]Mile l>rook is the first considerable stream above. 

On the IGth of April, 1700, Cockupatain, sachem, and Eunsaway, gentle- 
man Indians of Derby, for four pounds ten shillings, sold to Capt. Ebenezer 
Johnson and Ensign Samuel Kiggs a piece of land "bounded southward with 
y littel river, eastM'ard & northward with David Wooster his land & y'-' above 
sd Captain's & Ensign's land & nugatuick river, westward •li: north with 
* * * Indian purchase." The same day "Cockupatain and Iluntaway, 
Indians of Derby," sold to Capt. Ebenezer Johnson & Ensign Samuel Kiggs 
"a certain parcel of meadow^ and upland lying at y'" upward of Chestnut Tree 
Hill, containing twenty acres, more or less. 

Derby, including what is now Seymour, was taken from Milford, one of 
the six towns of the New Haven colony. It was incorporated by the authority 
of New Haven in 1075, when there were in it only twelve families. The 
bounds between Derby and Milford were not laid out till 1080. 

The following list contains the names of all settlers of the town who bad 
taken the fi-eeman's oath down to 1708. 



Maj. Ebenezer Johnson, 
Ens. Samuel liiggs, 
Lieut. Thomas Wooster, 
AVilliani Nashbon, 
John Johnson, 
Ebenezer Harger, 
John Durand, 
Samuel Conors, 
Josiali Colding, 
Deacon Isaac Nichols, 
John Davis, 



Stephen Pierson, 
Joseph Hawkins, 
Timothy Wooster, 
Samuel Brinsmaid, 
Edward Biggs, 
Joseph Moss, 
William Tomlinson, 
F]ns. Joseph Hulls, 
David \Vooster, 
Henry Wooster. 
l^^))hraim Smith, 



John Kiggs, 
F'rancis French, 
Dea. Abel Hoi brook, 
John Thoobals, 
John Chattield, 
Jeremiah Johnson, 
John Pringle, 
Samuel Nichols, 
Johnathan Lum, 
James Hard. 



Tliat wolves and panthers were still common is evident by the passage of 
an act by the Ueneral Assembly in October, 1713, offering a bounty of forty 
shillings to any person who should kill u wolf, catamount or panther, "and 
half as much for every wolves' whelp." 

In 1720, "it being moved by the proprietors of, and within the town of 
Derby, that a deed of release and (luit-claim of and in the lands of said 
town," the Assembly granted that such deed be executed. 

Among the military appointments by the (leneral Assembly were those 
of Joseph Hulls as ensign of the local "trainband" in May, 1707,»lieutenant in 
1800, and captain in 171(). Serj' Thomas \Vooster was by the (^leneral Assem- 
bly a])pointed Lieutenant in October, 170(5, and connnissioned accordingly. 



8 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Samuel Nichols was appointed ensign in 1709. In 1716 John Riggs 
was appointed lieutenant, and in 1722 was made captain. He was one of 
the deputies to the General Assembly in 1717, and again in 1722. Ebene- 
zer Johnson was a lieutenant colonel in the expedition to Port Royal, (N. S.), 
in August, 1710, and soon after was promoted colonel. Ebenezer Johnson, 
Jr., was appointed ensign in 1816, and lieutenant in L722. Samuel Bassett 
was appointed ensign in 1822. 

The duties of the train-band were often difficult and dangerous. The In- 
dians were numerous, and the history of the colony in those early days shows 
but too well that constant vigilance was a condition of safety. 

The tract of land just over the Oxford line and west of Little River, con- 
sisting of about one hundred acres, and known as the Park, was enclosed 
about the middle of the last century by a Mr. Wooster for the purpose of 
keeping deer. On one side of the inclosure there was an overhanging rock 
from which the hunted deer would sometimes leap into the inclosure, much 
to the discomfiture of the disappointed huntsmen. This was one of the parks 
referred to by Peters in his history of Connecticut published in 1781. 

In the olden time they were particular to give every man his title : mag- 
istrates and ministers were called Mr., church members were called brethren 
and sisters, and those who were not in church fellowship were simply good- 
man and goodwife. As there were frequent demands upon the military, they 
were held in high respect and all military titles were scrupulously observed. 
The early records abound with the titles— ensign, sergeant, lieutenant, cap- 
tain and colonel. In christening infants scriptural names and religious terms 
were most common, as for example, Content, Charity, Deliverance, Desire, 
Experience, Faith, Grace, Hope, Justice, Love, Mercy, Makepeace, Patience, 
Pity Praisegod, Prudence, Rejoice, Sillence, Thankful, &c. 

On account of the lack of money paynents were often made in produce 
of various kinds. The following extract from the "Travels of Madam 
Knight," who made a journey from Boston to New York about 1695, gives 
a good representation of the currency of the tune. 

"They give the title of merchant to everj trader who rate their goods according to the time an*^ 
specie they pay in, viz., pay, money, pay as money, and trusting. Pay is grain, pork, and beef, 
&,c., at the prices set by the general court that year; money is pieces of 8, ryals, or Boston or 
Bay shillings, (as they call them,) or good hard money, as sometimes silver coin is called by them ; 
also wampum, viz., Indian beads, wch. serves for change. Pay as money, is provisions as aforesaid, 
one third cheaper than as the Assembly or generall court sets it, and trust as they and the merchant 
agree for time. Now when the buyer comes to ask for a commodity, sometimes before the mer- 
chant answers that he has it, he sais, is your pay ready ? Perhaps the chap replies, yes. What do 
you pay in ? sais the merchant. The buyer having answered, then the price is set ; as suppose he 
wants a 6d. knife, in pay it is 12d., in pay as money, 8d., and hard money, its own value, 6d. It 
seems a very intricate way of trade, and what 'Lex Mereatoria' had not thought of." 



The Congregational Clnircli. 



A sermon delivered in the Congregational 
€Lurch by Rev. S. C. Leonard, July 9, 187G. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 9 

up higher now. It was before I was born 
that they, to>rether with 13 others (one of 
whom was luy father), united at the early 



He tliat goeth and weepeth, 

Bearing precious seed, 

Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, 

Bringing bis sheaves with him. — Psa. l-JlJ: 6. 

Ou the 12th day of March, 1817, (a little 
less than 59^ years ago), five nieu had a 
uieetiug at our village — the influences of 
which are around us to-day. There was a 
h()u.se of worship — old and uncomfortable, 
but a house within which God had been 
honored, and where Ho had recorded His 
name — standing on the hill ou the other 
side of the river, and it is not unlikely that 
the meeting was held within it. 

The five men who had come together from 
different points for this council were well 
able to consider a matter. They composed, 
indeed, a more remarkable company than 
they could then have known themselves 
to be. 

One was the Rev. Nathaniel W. Taylor, 
known, at that point of time, as the young 
and promising pastor of the Center Church 
in New Haven, 31 years of age, ordained to 
the work he was then performing — with 
his whole heart in it — five years, lacking a 
mouth, before. The theological depart- 
ment of Yale College, in which he was to 
grow to the stature of a giant, and do a 
work, and wield an influence which will 
never die, had not then been opened for iu- 
structiou. It was opened in 182*2. 

Another of the men was the Rev. Samuel 
Merwin, pastor of the North Church and 
Society in New Haveu. He was a some- 
what older man, and had Deen in the posi- 
tion which he was then faithfully and suc- 
cessfully occupying for twelve years. It is 
of special personal interest to me that his 
coming here was the very year after he 
had received to membership in his church 
four sisters, tenderly attached to each 
other, one of whom was my own dear 
mother — the four, by this act, joining an- 
other of their number who had united with 
the same church previously ; the names of 
each of the sisters awaking memories of a 
happy childhood in my mind. They are all 



spring communion season with Mr. Mer- 
wiu's church, and you will not wonder that 
the figures which stand for that year have 
interest for me. Mr. Merwin was the 
pastor whom I loved, and from whom I 
received religious instruction in my child- 
hood. The first Sunday school I ever at- 
tended was under his pastorate. The af- 
fectionate pressure of his hand, one day 
when I was a child, as he met me at the 
close of a service, in a seasou of religious 
interest, I have never lost the feeling of — 
through the 4.5 years between — to this day. 
He had been told that I was desiring to 
become a follower of Christ, and as he took 
my hand in his, it seemed to me, that with- 
out speaking a word, ho condensed into the 
loving pressure of his hand a soul full of 
interest in my welfare. I never see his 
name without feeling a thrill of joy. 

Another of the five men who came to- 
gether for the meeting at our village was 
the Rev. Beuuett Tyler, then of South Bri- 
tain, pastor of the Congregational church 
there, and at this time 34 years of age. 
The Theological Seminary at East Windsor, 
with which his now distinguished name is 
associated in our thoughts, was 17 years in 
the future, when the South Britain pastor 
came to the meeting at Humphreysville, as 
our village was called then. Nobody could 
have conjectured, at that time, that the 
names of Taylor and Tyler, so peaceably 
associated at this meeting would ever come 
to have such relation to each other, as thej- 
did in after years. 

Another of the five men was the Rev. 
Bela Kellogg. Seventeen years before 
(class of 1800) he had been graduated at 
Williams College and had afterwards 
studied theology with the vigorous and fa- 
mous, and astute pastor of the church iu 
Franklin, Mass., the man who took a sev- 
enty years course of hard study and never 
got tired of it — enjoyed it all the way 
through ; — who never shunned a subject 
because it was difficult, and never hesita- 
ted over any results to which his logic 
brought him. 



10 



SEYMOUR AND VICIMTY. 



The remaining member of the party was 
the Rev. Zephaniah Swift, wlio had then 
been for four years pastor of the ancient 
church in Derby, a church 136 years old, 
when he was called to it, aud when he 
answered the call by beginning a genuine 
life work with and for it— commencing a 
pastorate which was to prove to be of more 
than a third of a century (35 years) in 
length. 

The object of this meeting of these men 
at our village was to organize a church of 
Christ here, if it should seem to be best. 

They prepared themselves for the work 
which they had been called to perform by 
appointing the Rev. Zephauiah Swift mod- 
erator, and Nathaniel W. Taylor scribe. 
When they were ready, nine persons pre- 
sented themselves before them, producing 
letters of good standing in other Churches 
of Christ, and asking to be organized into 
a church. The nine persons were : Joel 
Beebe and wife, Bradford Steele and wife, 
Ira Smith aud wife, Louis Holbrook, Han- 
nah P. Johnson aud Sally Wheeler. 

The quesi-ion was considered by the 
council, the church was organized, and 
the name by which it was called was 

THE VILLAGE CHURCH. 

The vote which the council left on record 
of the result which they reached ou that 
day is very brief, but as distinct as it is 
brief. These are the words of it: "Voted, 
The above named persons be and are hereby 
organized into a church in this village. 

This is not, however, the earliest church 
constituted here. Twenty-eight years be- 
fore this, ou the 3d day of November, 1789, 
tweuty-six persons signed a certiticate set- 
ting forth that they had joined the Congre- 
gational society (evidently formed then) 
in tills part of the town and withdrew from 
the Congregational church iu Derby, then 
112 years old, to form a society in this por- 
tion of the town. I have in my hand the 
document which lies at the basis of the lirst 
Church of Christ ever formed iu what is 
now our village. [The document is pub- 
lished at the close of this article.] 

A vigorous entering upon their new work 
this earlier christian company seem to have 
had the will and found the way to make. 



Few in number though they were, they 
resolutely procured a pastor and built a 
house of worship. 

The house of worship which was put up 
at this time is of interest to us as the first 
house ofworshij] ever er-eeted in our village. 
It was placed on land which had been 
owned by Mr. Isaac Johnson, and where the 
M. E. Church now stands. It was built at 
a sacrifice; it was built as those who erect- 
ed it could build it, with the means which 
they could comniaml. There was faith and 
prayer mingled with the work, as it went 
forward, I have no question. One who of- 
ten worshipped within it (Mrs. Sarah Jones, 
afterwards of Erie, Pa., daughter of Brad- 
ford Steele) wrote concerning it 20 years 
ago, to her sister : 

"I feel a peculiar interest in that church, 
well knowing its history from the first. 
This is not its first struggle. I well remem- 
ber, when but a mere child, of seeing the 
anguish of my mother's heart for its de- 
pression. * * * ■» The building was 
where the Methodist church now stands. 
I well remember when it was done off 
(what doing off there was). It was divided 
off into pews. It was neither lathed or plas- 
tered, and but poorly clapboarded. Many 
times have I brushed the suow off the seats 
before sitting down. Its exterior resembled 
a barn more than a church. Still it was 
beloved, aud probably had as true worship- 
pers in it as those of moderu style. * * * 
You, my dear sister, kuow, as yet, but very 
little of the struggles of our ancestors to. 
perpetuate the blessings we have enjoyed." 

The man who was called by this early 
church to minister to it the gospel of the 
grace of God, was the Rev. Benjamin Beach, 
graiidfatherof one of our respected citizens, 
Sharon Y. Beach. The Rev. Benjamin 
Beach preached the gospel to these earnest 
christian people for about fifteen years. The 
house, which was built either for or by him,, 
for a parsonage, is standing now, and is 
the second dwelling east of the present 
house of worship of the M. E. Church — 
next the new and tasteful parsonage which 
has been built within the year past by the 
Methodist society. The building which 
was to be the first pastor's home was ready 



SF.YMOUR AND VICINITY. 



11 



for its occiipauts very promptly — within a 
fHW months after the orgauization of the 
little church (things seem to have been 
(lone with a will thou) — and Mr. Beach 
moved into it iu March, 170u, having 
waited for a time for an opportunity to 
bring his household goods from North 
Haven ou snow, which did not, however, 
fall that winter, so as to render it possible 
for him to do so. 

Two outlines of sermons preached by the 
Rev. Benj. Beach are before me. Time, you 
see, has left traces of its passage on the old 
manuscripts. One of them was preached 
in the year 1798, from Luke, 9 : 42. The 
other is a fast day sermon, preached from 
II Kings, 19: 14—20, ou the 25th ot April, 
1T99, at the poiut of time when difficul- 
ties with France were assuming a threat- 
<',uing, and even warlike, aspect; difficul- 
ties which were, to the joy of all, adjusted, 
after a single, or rather a double naval 
engagement, in which the French frigate 
Insurgente, and the American frigate Con- 
stellation were prominent. The sermon 
was preached a year and five months before 
the treaty, by which peace was restored, 
was concluded, and nine months before 
the death of Washington. Of the genuine 
])atriotism of the writer, it leaves no room 
for question. It has the true riug of the 
words which were spoken abundantly from 
our loyal Connecticut pulpits, in the latter 
part of the last century. There is vigor of 
thought indicated by these old time-worn 
manuscripts; there was a live mau be- 
hind them once. They indicate, I judge, 
the possession, by this first pastor of 
our village, of a good deal of the power 
of putting things iu a telling vvay. They 
were, evidently, well adjusted to the time 
to which they belonged, as every sermon 
ought to be. Oue of them was preached 
.several times, and as the marks on the 
margin of it show, once at Waterbnry. 
The remains of this tirst pastor of our first 
church lie in Milton, a parish of the famous 
town of Litchfield ; famous not so much for 
its rocks and its pure air, as for its mkn. 

How large the church became within 
these fifteen years of the faithful ministra- 
tions of its first pastor, I have uot been 



able to ascertain. I fear there are no 
records of it in existence. The Rev, Mr, 
Beach completed his work here, and re- 
moved to Milton, in 180."). 

Then the church was for a time scatter- 
ed. But its members had the heart to 
worship God and they went, some to Ox- 
ford, some to Great Hill, some to Bethany, 
as they most conveniently could. After a 
time the Rev. Zephaniah Swift became 
pastor of the church in Derby, and, with a 
genuine interest iu the welfare of the 
church, pleached for it occasionally. 

But a new element had, in the meantime, 
been introduced into our village. It had 
taken a new uame, and was the scene of a 
new and busy life. One could not have 
told, at that point of time, into what promi- 
nence it might rise. That mau of emi- 
nence, regarded as an ornament to the 
period iu which he lived, scholar, historian, 
poet and patriot. Gen. David Humphkeys, 
had fixed upon this spot in our valley to 
work out a noble idea which had taken 
possessiou of his mind. He had gained his 
honors before he established his interests 
here. His experience of life had been very 
varied. He had seen the world iu ditfer- 
ent phases of it; had seen it,and had help- 
ed to mould it. He had been a successful 
military man. He had been a personal 
friend and associate of the great Washing- 
ton. He had been intimately connected 
with the brave and unfortunate Kosciusko. 
He had been ambassador to two important 
foreigu courts, from which he returned, 
bringing back to his uative land — and to 
this, his uative town — the "<n/e golden 
fleece," as the phrase is in the inscription 
ou the shaft of granite which marks the 
resting place of his remains, in the old 
cemetery iu New Haven. He died Feb. 
21, 1818. He entered Yale college when 
hewaslSyearsold, only, and was graduated 
when he was 19;— (class of 1771). He com- 
menced his enterprise here — returning to 
his native valley from his residence abroad 
— when he was 52, enriched by all his ex- 
perience, using his wealth freely, gather- 
ing into his plans all his broad resources, 
and employing them without stint or nar 
rowuess. Ho laid the foundation ot his 



12 



work, on the bauk of onr beautiful river — 
and at one of the most beautiful points up- 
on it — iu the year 1804; and in 1810, when 
the new maaufacturing company was in- 
corporated, the village was weariug his 
name. 

The enterprise which Gen. Humphreys 
established here was, for its time, one to 
be looked at by the wiiole region, and it 
carried the name of our village (HuMH- 
reysville; to different and distant points; 
made it familiar at our nation's capitol, 
and honored by the presidents of our re- 
public. Dr. Dwight, the able president of 
Yale College, who was personally, (and I 
think intimately) acquainted with Gen. 
Humphreys, says of it: 

"Iu Europe great complaints have been 
made of manufacturing establishments as 
having been, very commonly, seats of vice 
and disease. Gen. Humphreys began this 
with a determination either to prevent 
these evils, or if this could not be doue, to 
give up the design. With regard to the 
health of the people it is sufficient to ob- 
serve, that from the year 1804 to the year 
1810, not an individual belonging to the 
institution died, and it is believed that 
among no other equal number of persons 
there has been less disease. CDwight's 
Travels, vol. Ill, p. 393.; 

A journey, of which a very graphic rec- 
ord has come down to us, was made by 
Pres. Dwight across onr valley in the in- 
terval marked by the establishment of 
this manufacturing institution— in the au- 
tumn of 1811. He speaks of it with en- 
thusiasm. He had an eye for natural 
beauty, and he found it here. His words 
are fairly aglow as he writes about the 
spot which lies a few rods north of the place 
on which this house stands. He says: 

"The scenery at this spot is deliglitfully 
romantic. The fall is a fine object. The 
river, the buildings belonging to tlie insti- 
tution, the valley, the bordering hills, 
farms aud houses, groves and forests united, 
form a landscape in a high degree inter- 
esting." (Travels, vol. Ill, p. 394.; 

Pres. Dwight seems to have been espe- 
cially interested in tlio m'iral aspects of 
the manufacturing enterprise of which he 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

gives a detailed and very valuable account, 
established here by Gen. Humphreys. 

When Dr. Dwight wrote the account of 
this journey he was near the end of his 
life. He died a year and a month earlier 
than Gen. Humphreys, and two months 
before this church was reorganized. 

Of course, in the year 1817, when the 
council ot which Dr. Taylor was scribe as- 
sembled here, our village was much larger 
than when the earlier church was organ- 
ized. With the infusion of new life which 
it had received, it had gained a new out-^ 
look. It had passed through vicissitudes. 
The war of 1812 had affected the manufac- 
turing industries of the place very greatly, 
at first prosperously and then adversely. 
But the new Church of the Living God 
which was planted oii that March day of 
1817, had opportunity broad enough of 
bearing fruit for the Master, on our hill- 
sides and in our valley; and it seems to 
have desired to improve it. The facts are 
these: The church was constituted on the 
12th of March. Eighteen days later, ou the 
30th of March, the Rev. Zephaniah Swift, 
of Derby, was present at one of its meet- 
ings, and received 18 others into member- 
ship. One of the 18 who united with the 
new church, on that day, is living now, a 
respected — and the oldest — member of our 
church, and is spendiug on this Sabbath, 
her 86th birthday, Mrs. Dauiel White. 

Two months after the church was organ- 
ized, the Rev. Bela Kellogg received other 
members. In the following September, six 
months after its organization, others still 
presented themselves to unite with it, so 
that when the church entered upon the 
second year of its new existence, it had 
within it — their names enrolled on its re- 
cords — between thirty and forty men and 
women, who had choseu to stand up to de- 
clare themselves for Christ, and their read- 
iness to do work for him. Thirty-four ineu 
and women in vital earnest, can do a great 
deal. The christian age was introduced 
with a company which could have been 
counted more easily than this. 

These 34 disciples of Christ, thus formed 
into a new church, so beginning anew iu 
the christian work, wanted to dedicate ti> 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY 

the Master a new lioiise of worsbip. So 
tbey prayed to God, and talked the matter 
over with each other. The result was that, 
to the M. E. society, which had been pre- 
viously formed, the old building, endeared 
to many hearts, was sold, Sept. 22, 1818, 
and the vigorous Church of the New iJe- 
giuuing, in due time, as it could, built 
for itself a new house, on the spot over- 
looking the river, on the eastern side of 
it, where the old Congregational burying 
ground is now. The church began at once, 
in 1818, to i)repare for the work of building, 
meeting for a time in the Bell school- 
house. T!ie steeple was added to complete 
the edifice in 1829. 



13 



Of those who ministered the gospel to the 
ohurcli in the house of worship overlook- 
ing the river, some are remembered very 
distinctly by individuals here to-day. One 
of the earliest and most constant friends of 
the church seems to have been the Rev. 
Zephaniah Swift, of Derby. He gave it 
counsel ; he gave it time ; he gave it work. 
At one period of its early history he was 
placed at liberty, by vote of his own church, 
to preach for it a fourth of the time, re- 
ceiving from it a fourth of his salary. This 
church owes much under God to that man, 
of stately dignity of bearing, but with a 
warm heart beating within him, good, and 
true, and faithful ; the man who made so 
powerful an impression on at least one 
who came under his inffuence, as to lead 
him with extravagance of expression to 
say, that it would be joy enough for him, 
if he could ever get to heaven, to meet 
Zephaniah Swift there. 

The Rev. Bela Kellogg was never pastor 
of the church, but ministered to it for a 
time, not far from its beginning. 

The Rev. Ephraim G. Swift was pastor 
of the church from 1825 to 1827. He died 
in August, 1858. 

On the llth day of May, 1828, the Rev. 
Amos Pettingil received to membership 
of the church several individuals, among 
whom were Isaac Sperry and wife, Albert 
Carringtou, Adalino and Emeline Sperry, 
and Olive Merriam. Of those who united 
with the church while the Rev. Ephraim 



G. Swift was pastor, one only is a member 
now, Mrs. Henry P. Davis. 

The name of the Rev. Charles Thomson 
first appears under date of July 20, 1828. 
He was installed pastor of the church in 
April, 1830. His ministry within it was of 
about five years in length. He seems to 
have labored faithfully. I judge, from 
what I can gather from the old records, 
that he had genuine love of his work. It 
.seems as if it were overflowing from his 
pen, at times, as he was making some of 
the entries which we have in his hand- 
writing. From what I hear about him and 
his family, from those who were i»ersonally 
acquainted with them, I should judge him 
to have been a good man with an excellent 
wife. He came here from Dundafi", Pa. 
He, too, has tiuished his work on earth. 
He died in March, 1855. Of those who uni- 
ted with the church while the Rev. Charles 
Thompson ministered to it, three are mem- 
bers now : Mrs. Maria Holbrook, Mrs. 
George Washburn, and Mrs. B. M. Durand. 

The ministry of the Rev. Rolliu S. Stone 
was also within this period. His arrange- 
ment with the church and society was a 
peculiar one. He engaged to be responsible 
for the weekly supply of the pulpit, with 
the understanding that the Rev. Mr. Swift, 
of Derby, should preach one half the time, 
by regular and stated exchange, Mr. Story 
spending the secular days of the week at 
New Haven, in the Theological Seminary. 
This arrangement was continued for lifteen 
months — from June 2, 1833, to Sept. 1, 1834, 
— the relation was then severed, according 
to his own record of the matter, " in peace 
and love." 

The Rev. John E. Bray ministered to the 
church "for about seven years and a half — 
from Sept, 1834, to April, 1842. Of those 
who united with the church within this 
time, two only are members now: Deacon 
David Johnson, and Mrs. Sarah Collins. 

Oa the 2Gth of June, 1843, the Rev. Wil- 
liam B. Curtiss was called by the church 
to become its pastor. His ministry was of 
somewhat over six years in length. Ho 
was a man who loved to work, and who 
always found work to do, if it was to be 
found — and it always was, and is. 



14 



When the Rev. Mr. Curtiss entered upon 
his ministry here, the house of worship on 
the other side of the river was not, by any 
means, an old one. But the fact had be- 
come very apparent that it was not cen- 
trally located. As business developed, the 
village grew away from it, instead of around 
it, and the company who had chosen to be 
called The Village Chukch decided that 
a new house ought to be built. And there 
was enterpri.se enough to do it. It is this 
house, within which we are now (one of 
the easiest houses to speak in I have ever 
used — of proportions conformed to acoustic 
law as fully as can be desired) which arose 
out of the energetic purpose formed at that 
time. The 20th day of April, 1847, was 
dedication day within it; a day of joy and 
gladness. The Rev. Mr. Curtiss remained 
pastor of the church and society for two 
and a half years louger — until Oct. 15, 
1849. Of those who united with the church 
while he ministered to it, six are members 
now : Wm. Hull, Mrs. Emeline Bliss, Mrs. 
Emeliue Steele, Mrs. Laura A. Culver, Mrs. 
Esther Canfield, and Chas. Durand. 

Four years and nine days after this 
house was dedicated to the worship of 
God— on the 29tb day of April, 1851 — it 
was opened for the first installation service 
ever held within it. On that day the Rev. 
E. B. Chamberlain was constituted pastor 
of the church and society. The installation 
sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Har- 
rison of Bethany. Mr. Chamberlain had 
been here for nearly a year before this day. 
The last record to which his name is signed, 
as pastor, is under date of March 21, 1852 — 
nearly a year later. His request to have 
the pastoral relation dissolved was based 
on the ground of ill-health, and was ac- 
ceded to by the church May 20, 1852 — two 
and a half years after his name first appears 
on the records of the church. Of those 
who united with the church while he min- 
istered the gospel to it, two are members 
now : Mr. and Mrs. Roswell Kinney. 

The Rev. J. L. Willard, now, and for 
more than twenty years past the successful 
pastor of the Congregational church in 
Westville, commenced his ministry here 
Sept. 1, 1852, and continued it to May 1, 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

1855 — two years and two-thirds. He left 



very warm friends here, and has made very 
warm friends elsewhere. Of those who 
united with the church while he minister- 
ed to it, two are members now: Mr. and 
Mrs. Sheldon C. Sanford. 

About this time our village suffered the 
loss of a heavy manufacturing industry 
which involved the removal from the place 
of not far from thirty families connected 
with the congregation. Other disasters 
followed. A wave of financial embarrass- 
ment swept over the land. It was a time 
of dejection and discouragement, and this 
church and society felt the influence of it 
keenly. 

On one of these days, a young man just 
out of college was passing through our vil- 
lage — Henry D. Northrop. He had never 
been ordained to the work of the ministry', 
but he had a soul aglow with the love of 
Christ — he had something to say for 
Christ, and he could say it. Mr. Wallace M. 
Tuttle was not deacon of the church at 
that time, but he was soon to become such, 
and he never did a wiser and better thing 
than when he sought out the young gradu- 
ate of Amherst College and almost com- 
pelled him to stop and work for Christ 
hero. It vvas the Lord's plan. The Lord or- 
dained him first, and man ordained him 
afterwards. No such revival as the Lord 
gave him to see that winter, had, up to that 
point of time, been witnessed, in connec- 
tion with the whole history of the church. 
The Lord set his own seal to the work 
faithfully and efliciently performed. The 
time which seemed so adverse proved to be a 
glorious time in which to nurture faith to- 
wards God. The ministry of the Rev. H. D. 
Northrop here was commenced in August, 
18.57, and continued through the larger 
part of the year 18.58. Of those who united 
with the church at that time, twelve are 
members now : Henry P. Davis, Mrs. Han- 
nah Canfield, Mrs. Harriet E. Denney, Mrs. 
Emeline Ricks, Mrs. Fidelia E. Holden, 
Miss Sarah L. Ormsbee, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. 
E. Lester, Mrs. William Losee, Miss Orilla 
E. Hurlburt, Miss Grace E. Botsford and 
Mrs. Mary Worth. 

The ministry of the Rev. E. C. Baldwin 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY 

was of a year iu length, from May, 1859, to 
May, 1860. Tbe ministry of the Rev. Syl- 
vester Hine was of about equal length. 
The ministry of the Rev. J. L. Mills, f now 
I)rofessor in Marietta College, Ohio,) was of 
about two years in length, from 1802 to 
1864. The ministry of the Rev. George A. 
Diekerman was of a single year in length, 
from 1864 to 1865. Of those who united 
with the church within these years, seven 
are members uow : Mr. and Mrs. James L. 
Spencer, Mis. Augusta Lathrop, Mrs. H. A. 
Rider, Mis. Lucy DeWolfe, Miss Huldah 
DeWolfe, Miss Harriet Hotchkiss and Mrs. 
Raymond French. 

On the first day of February, 1866, this 
house was opened for another installation 
service. The Rev. A. J. Quick had accepted 
the call of the church and society, and on 
that day was constituted pastor. The Rev. 
J. L. Wiliard, of Westville, preached the 
installation sermon, and the installing 
prayer was offered by the Rev. C. S. Sher- 
man, of Naugatuck. Mr. Quick's pastorate 
was a brief one. The exact length of it I 
have been unable to ascertain. The facts 
which I have found are — that he was en- 
gaged as stated supply for one year com- 
mencing April 30, 1865 ; that his name is 
to be found on the records, for the last 
time, as moderator of the church, under 
date of April 19, 1867 ; and that he was 
dismissed from membership on the 13th of 
June, 1868; a little less than two and a 
half years after his installation. Of those 
who were received within the time covered 
by his ministry, ten are members of the 
church now: Mr. and Mrs. James Swan, 
Mrs. S. J. Castle, Mr. and Mrs. John Whit- 
ney, Miss Francis Lounsbury, William Bell, 
Miss Catharine Bell, Miss Catharine C. Bur- 
well and Mrs. Mary Lockwood. 

On the 22d of May, 1868, this house was 
opened for an ordination service. The 
Rev. Allen Clark was on that day, ordained 
as an evangelist, by a cmincil called by 
letters missive issued by this church, to 
which Mr. Clark was then ministering. 
The ordination sermon was preached by 
Dr. Churchill, of Woodbury, and the or- 
<lainiug prayer was offered by Rev. C. 
Chamberlain, of Oxford. In connection 



15 

with the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Clark, 
another glorious revival of religion oc- 
curred. It is of such recent date— only 
eight years ago — that there must be many 
very vivid recollections of it iu the minds 
of many of you who are present. Of those 
who united with the church within the 
time covered by Mr. Clark's ministry, 
twenty are members now : Joshua Kendall, 
Mr. and Mrs. Charles F. Hard, Miss Emma 
Lockwood, Miss Ilattie M. Ford, Mrs. 
James Richardson, Mrs. A. A. Harris, Mrs. 
Frank H. Russell, Mrs.William T. Fife, Mrs. 
Ella F. Reynolds, Mrs. E. A. Robinson, 
Miss Hortie V. Swift, Henry B. Lockwood, 
Charles Sherman, Mrs. E. C. Barr, Mrs. F. 
Boeker, William B. Nichols, Mr. and Mrs. 
Edwin C. Segears and Mrs. George Fowler. 

The 25th of November, 1839, was another 
ordination day. The Rev. H. P. Collin 
was, at that time ordained to the work of 
an evangelist, by a council called by this 
church. The ordination sernmn was preach- 
ed by the Rev. Mr. Adamson, of Ansonia, 
and the ordaining prayer was offered by 
the Rev. Mr. Gray, of Derby. The scribe of 
the council was the Rev. Robert C. Bell. 

I have not been able to ascertain the 
exact length of the ministry of Mr. Collin 
here. His hand writinng appears, on the 
records of the church, for the tirst time 
at date of July 18, 1869, and for the last 
time, as I judge. May 1, 1870. Of those 
who united with the church within the 
years 1869 and 1870, sixteen are members 
now : Mrs. Laura E. Northrop, David Wil- 
liams, Mr. and Mrs. Roswell C. Canfield, 
Richard Evans, Mrs. Charles Bliss, Mrs. C. 
J. Olmstead, Mrs. Juliette B. Hull, William 
J. Barr, Mr. and Mrs. Noah Osborn, Mr. 
and Mrs. Rufus Spencer, Mr. and Mrs. 
George A. Benedict and Mrs. Elizabeth C. 
I'ierson. 

The ministry of the Rev. J. W. Fitch, 
here, seems to have been of from one to 
two years in length. His name appears 
on the records, for the first time under date 
of May 7, 1871, and for the last time, in 
his own hand writing, under date of ilay 
28, 1872. Of those who united with the 
church within this time, two are members 
now: Mrs. Phebe A. Hubbell andT. B. Minor 



16 SEYMOUE AND VICINITY 

The Rev. William J. Thomson was in- 
stalled pastor of the church and society on 
the 24th of January, 1873. The installation 
sermon was preached, and the installing 
prayer was offered by the Rev. J. L. Willard 
of Westville. The ministry of the Rev. Mr. 
Thomson here was closed on the 27th of 
October, 1874. Of those who united with 
the church within this period, six are mem- 
bers now : Mrs. W. J. Thomson, Mrs. D. 
Simpson, Miss Emma E. Beach, Miss Mar- 
garet Smith, Mrs. Beujamin B. Thayer and 
Miss Libbie O. Lockwood. 

The ministry which Las not yet termi- 
nated, was commenced on the 15th of No- 
vember, 1874. Of those who have united 
with the church since that date, all — twen- 
ty-nine in number — are members now: 
Mrs. and Miss Leonard, Mr. and Mrs. An- 
drew Barr, Mrs. Isaac Losee, Charles 
Sheard, W. I. Warren, Charles J.Reynolds, 
Miss Jessie Swan, Miss Sarah S. Osborn, 
Miss Mattie Osborn, Miss Eliza M. Creel - 
man, Mrs. Charlotte Haymau, Mr. and Mrs. 
Robert A. Weaver, Mrs. Mary A. Hurlbut, 
Miss Freddie Quieriug, Miss Carrie L. Pick- 
hardt, Miss Bertha E. Johuson, Miss Mary 
E. Spencer, Miss Mary E. French, Mrs. 
Annie E. Lyman, Frank H. Wy.ant, Walter 
W. Dorman, Miss Ellen C. Hard, Miss 
Lydia A. Hard, Miss Mary A. Hill, Frank 
A. Smith and Mrs. Sarah M. Lines. May 
the number be increased, and there be 
added to the church a multitude of such 
as shall be saved ! 

Of those who have ministered to the 
church as deacons, several have gone to 
their rest. The first deacon of the earliest 
church was Mr. Baldwin of Derby. When 
the church was reorganized in 1817, the 
two chosen to this service were, Bradford 
Steele and Nehemiah Botsford. They oc- 
cupied the oftice for almost all that remain- 
ed to them of life. Deacon Steele, in Sep- 
tember, 1840 — after nearly a quarter cen- 
tury of service, and a little more than a 
year before his death— asked to be released 
from the performance of further official du- 
ty, and, because of his age and infirmity, his 
request was granted. Deacon Botsford had, 
a little before, made a similar request, 
which had been granted also. 



A hundred years ago to-day, Bradford 
Steele was a boy of not quite fifteen years 
of age. But there was a dark war-cloud 
coming up into view. It was seen from 
our hill sides and our valleys with very 
great distinctness. Mauy brave men and 
women looked upon it with the calmness of 
heroic courage. Boys saw it, and were 
ready to take their share in what it involved. 

Bradford Steele was not quite sixteen 
when he enlisted in the army which repre- 
sented the cause of freedom. Terrible 
scenes he passed through. There was one 
day memories of which seemed to lie 
gleaming in his mind through his whole 
long after life. It was the 22d day of Au- 
gust, 1777. He was taken prisoner and 
treated with a cruelty which was merciless, 
his very apppearance becoming so changed 
by what he endured, (and the boys of that 
time could endure a good deal of hardship 
without being greatly affected by it,) that 
his own father, when he met him did not 
at first know who he was. He died in 
peace, Dec. 23, 1841, at the ripe age of 80. 

There have been very few firmer friends 
of the church than Deacon Sheldon Kinney, 
now among those who have gone before. 
It was out of a gift made by him to the 
society that our pleasant and convenient 
parsonage has come. He was a man, I 
judge from what I hear about him, of a 
clear head and a large heart. He was ap- 
pointed deacon of the church on the 6th of 
September, 1840. The names of those who 
have served as deacons for a longer or 
shorter time I have tried to collect and ar- 
range in the order in which they have per- 
formed the service: Capt. Timothy Bald- 
win, appointed in 1789; Bradford Steele 
and Nehemiah Botsford, appointed in 1817; 
Sheldon Kinney and Alfred Hull, 1840; 
Andrew W. DeForest, 1844; William Kin- 
ney, Miles Culver and J. L. Spencer, 1853 ; 
W. M. Tuttle, 1858; Charles Bradley, date 
of appointment not recorded ; David John- 
son and Levi Lounsbury, 1865; Joshua 
Kendall, 1863. 

A very incomplete idea, (but still one of 
some value,) of the religions influences ex- 
erted here within the century of our ex- 
istence as a nation, may be suggested by 



iiii euuraeration of the bouses of worship 
wliich have been built. 

What is now Seymour was, at fust, a part 
of the old "jurisdiction of New Haven. '» 
For a little less than forty years (16IW- 
1677) it was a part of Milford. For a hun- 
dred and sixty-three years (1677-1850), it 
was a part of Dei by. For only twenty-six 
years has it had an existence as a township 
with its present name. And then weare wear- 
ing now our fourth local name — Naukotunk 
(meaning one great tree) the lirst ; Chuse- 
town, the second; Humphreysville, the 
third; Seymour, the fourth ; each of the 
names, bat the first, being personal in their 
reference; elevating into prominent view 
an individual ; the first name bringing into 
prominence an object in nature. (They are 
all gone now.) 

In the township of Milford — of which 
the land which is now covered by onr vil- 
lege was then a part — a Congregational 
church was formed on the 16th day of Au- 
gust, 1639 — the year after the beginning 
at New Haven, 237 years ago. As the basis 
of the plan on which this oldest church 
was organized, those who were to consti- 
tute it took the text Proverbs ix, 1 : " Wis- 
dom hath builded her house, she hath hewn 
out her seven pillars," and selected seven 
of their number to join together in cove- 
nant to bo the church, and to be called the 
pillars, to whom the rest were afterwards 
added. 

Thirty-seven years later, in 1677, the 
Congregational church in Derby was con- 
stituted. So it was two centuries ago, 
lacking one year, that this church, in what 
then became our town, was organized. It 
was long ago for this continent. It was 
only U3 years after the death of Luther, 
and it was 26 years before Johu Wesley 
was born, that this ancient church, only 
five miles away from us, was formed. It 
was after that church had been in exist- 
ence and doing its work about a hundred 
and thirteeen years that Jesse Leo, one of 
Wesley's followers, passed through, for the 
first lime, the place where it had been 
standing until it aad grown gray with age, 
and hired a bell man to ring the people 
out that he might preach to them. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 17 

tV CKXTURY AGO TO-DA Y,tlio father of Gen . 



IIumi)hieys had passed the middle of his 
pastorate, of more than half a century in 
length. A century ago to-day, the Eev. 
Daniel Humphreys had been doing the 
work of a pastor of the flock of Christ, 
five miles from where we are, forever forty 
years. Many times had he been over onr 
hills and through onr valleys, on errands 
for the Master. A century ago to-day, his 
son David, (whom he had named after the 
King of Israel, and whom he hoped would 
make something,; was a young man 24 
years of age, looking up into the future to 
see what ho could carve out of it. Those 
who were living in this part of the town — 
when they wanted to attend services of 
public worship — (and people in those days 
expected to, and were expected to) — went 
to what is now Derby, to hear Mr. Hum- 
phreys — it was all Derby then. There were 
families here a century ago who conld have 
gained something by a steady going to 
meeting, and it is to be hoped they did go. 

The Indian Sachem whom wo know best 
as Chuse, (Joe Mauwehu,) was here a cen- 
tury ago, probably not far from where we 
are, only across the river; his wigwam 
standing on the south border of the flat, 
west of the residence of Mr. Raymond 
French, beautifully set among a grove of 
white oaks there. (Ho may have been, 
just then,, in the vicinity of where Dr. 
Stoddard now lives.) A century ago his 
youngest child — Eunice — was an Indian 
girl 14 years old, her father an athletic, 
skillful hunter, with some knowledge such 
as civilization has to give, but with the in- 
stincts of his race strong within him. At 
some point of his long life (ho died when 
about 80) he united with the church in 
Derby. But even after became to hope that 
he loved the Lord, he knew that he loved— 
that which bitoth like a serpent and sting- 
eth like an adder. 

The first house of worship — that built 
for the Rev. Benjamin Beach— was erected 
86 years ago. The frame of it was proba- 
bly raised in the month of April, 1791. The 
second house of worship ever erected at 
what is now our village is the pleasant 
and commodious one belonging to the 



18 



Protestant Episcopal Church. The Epis- 
copal Society was organized Feb. 20, 1797. 
This honse was originally built by two 
societies in union, but has been recon- 
structed at heavy expense, by the society 
owning it now, into its present attractive 
form. The third house of worship erected 
at our village was the second Congrega- 
tional house, buit on the hill overlooking 
the river. This was commenced — or prep- 
aration was begun for it — in 1818. The 
fourth is this house in which we are — the 
third Congregational house— built in 1846. 
The rifth is the house owned by the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. The corner stone of 
this edilice was laid on Saturday, June 
19, 1847. Tiie sixth is the house built by 
the Baptist Church. The church was or- 
ganized in 1848, and the house was erected 
in 1851. The house built by the congrega- 
tion connected with the church of Eome, 
is of more recent date. 

So there have been three years, not far 
apart, of the life of our village, which have 
been, characteristically church -building 
years. This temple-building work is of 
itself, on the surface, I know, but it tra- 
ces away to something which lies deep 
down in human hearts — interest in the 
things of God's worship. It has self-denial 
underlying it — and mixed with it. There 
is prayer and faith back of it and belovv it. 
There has been a life lived within our vil- 
lage, invisible of itself, but which has 
come to view in these results. It has been 
quietly lived by many, It has been a bless- 
ing to us. 

Within these sanctuaries which have 
arisen from the impulses and purposes of 
this life, (God aiding and blessing,) the 
gospel of our salvation has been preached, 
with earnestness and success. The health- 
ful influences exerted by these different 
churches, through these 88 years of time 
past, has been, to our village, an advantage 
which cannot be estimated. These influ- 
euees penetrate, to a greater or less extent, 
business and social life, encouraging integ- 
rity, and honesty, and honor, and discour- 
aging evil. The more vigorous these church- 
es of our village are, the better will be the 
village, as a place to have a home in- 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

place in which to spend, pleasantly and use- 
fully, these days which bear us along to 
the end. Our days are all journey days — 
days of travel along our life-way. 

These churches of Christ have been 
schools of the Master, from which a great 
many have been graduated and called up. 
These houses of worship have been centers 
from which have radiated invisible tenden- 
cies toward what is good and true — forces 
stimultive of elevating thought and feel- 
ing and action. 

A church becomes localized, as it builds 
a house of worship around itself. It gains 
for itself a religious home. Then the home 
feeling has opportunity to act and react 
within the religious nature. A church is 
not infre(ineutly moulded, to an extent — 
its daily and weekly life materially aifected 
— by the house which belongs to it, and to 
which it belongs; not as it belongs to 
Christ, but as it can belong to earthly 
things. 

The whole history of this church, taken 
in connection with the church out of which 
it came, most naturally divides itself into 
three periods, marked by the erection of its 
three different houses of worship. 

The first period of 27 years in length, 
from the beginning in 1789 to the assem- 
bling of the Council of Five in 1817. This 
is the pioneer period, the period of struggle 
for the necessities of religious life. Of the 
church, as it lived through this period, we 
knew something, but much less than we 
should be glad to know. The 27 years of 
meeting within that house hadsunshine and 
shadow within them, as years have now. 
There was trial bravely borne, and, proba- 
bly, trial not bravely borne. They were 
years with days of weeping and days of 
rejoicing within them. The 26 men whose 
names are on this old paper — discolored by 
these 80 years and more through which it 
has come down to us — represented families, 
households, with young and old in them, 
and into which joy and sorrow came, as it 
comes into our dwellings now. 

This earliest church gathers itself most 
naturally, in our thoughts, around the man 
who was, for 15 years its pastor; a man 
who honored God and sought to aid man to 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY 



19 



find God ; a man ready to do whatever bis 
hands t'oiiiid to do, and whoso hands, both 
of them, did lind enough do. 

The church, in this earliest period of its 
history, is sometimes spoken of as one of 
wliat wore called the "separate" churches 
of the time. 

The great awakening of 1740 — of the 
time of Whitfield, and Edwards, and Bel- 
lamy — enkindled new zeal, and desire of 
larger liberty than the relation which then 
existed between the church and state al- 
lowed, and a number of churches arose as 
the result of this feeling, which were known 
as "separate" churches; some of them com- 
posed of the better elements, and some of 
the discordant ones. I do not, however, 
find this church in any list which has come 
to my knowledge thus far, of these churches. 
The fact that it was Congregational, and 
known as such, is not decisive, for the 
separate churches — some of them — claimed 
to be more truly Congregational than any 
others. The single fact which I do find, 
relating to the matter is that its first and 
only permanent pastor had been, before he 
came here, minister of a separate church 
in Prospect. I have found evidence enough 
that this early church was an earnest 
church. There was human nature in it, 
unqnestionablj-. We find scars of misun- 
derstanding and difficulty as we trace out 
its history; but this is not so strange a 
thing in churches of other times as I wish 
it was. After all the labor which I have 
given to the gathering of every item of in- 
formation concerning it which I could find, 
in any quarter, I think of it as a praying, 
self-denying, earnest, energetic church of 
Christ; adjusted to its time, of course, as 
it needed to be in order to be most useful; 
but loving au,d serving the Master, and 
obeying God rather than man. I look back 
npon that first church of our place with a 
great deal of interest. 

The second period is of 29 years in 
length ; from the meeting of the Council 
of Five in 1817, to the dedication of this 
house in which we are assembled. This is 
the period of quiet, steady work and pro- 
gress. The men whom we see ministering 
to it — going in and out of its house of 



worship, and of the dwellings of those who 
composed its congregation —sharing joys 
and sorrows with them — the Kev. Zepha- 
niah Swift, the Kev. Bela Kellogg, the Kev. 
Ephraim G. Swift, the Rev. Charles Thomp- 
son, the Rev. Rolliu S. Stone, the Rev. 
John E. Bray and the Rev. William B. 
Curtiss — form a company whom it is an 
honor to the church to have liad within it. 
Among the laymen who come into [iromi- 
nent view, within this period — [among 
those who have gone home; of the living I 
will not speak] are Bradford Steele, Nehe- 
miah Botsford, Sheldon Kinney, Alfred 
Hull, Ira Smith and Daniel White. Miles 
Culver, energetic, self denying, generous, 
prompt, serving the Master and loving to 
do it, and continuing to do it to the end, 
united with the church Jan. 5th, 1845, not 
far from the time when this house was 
built. 

The third period is, up to this point of 
time, of just 30 years in length, but open 
for more to follow, of work for Christ, and 
of blessings coming — to the worker in the 
doing of the work, and to others through 
the work. 

The merest sketch of the history of this 
church could not be, in auywise, complete, 
if it failed to include some notice of its 
vigorous Sunday School, which has had 
life within it which has helped itself, and 
other good things around it. 

The Sunday School can bo traced back to 
the year 1828. The names of those who 
have been superintendents of it, so far as 
they can be collected, are: Joel White, 
George F. DeForest, Andrew DeForest, 
Sharon Y. Beach, W. M. Tuttle, P. B. Buck- 
ingham, George E. Lester, Robert C. Bell, 
Theodore S. Ladd, Andrew Y. Beach and 
James Swan. The present number of names 
on its roll is 222. 

But it has what is better than mere mem- 
bers — vitality — vigor. The weekly teach- 
ers' meeting is a very live meeting ; I never 
saw anybody asleep in that meeting; and 
teachers awake cannot easily help having 
a school awake. Both the school and the 
teachers' meeting breathe a little heavily 
just now, as wo are sulferiug this excessive 
heat, but it is exhaustion only, not sleep. 



20 



la the revival of last winter almost all 
who came to Christ came from and through 
our Sunday School. 

The superintendent is now an officer of 
the church, elected annually by ballot. 
This plan was adopted about four years 
ago, (May 28, 1872.) Up to that time no 
minute appears on the records of thechurch 
of the names of the officers of the Sunday 
School. Now they are put on distinct rec- 
ord every year. 

There is one fact belonging to the origin 
of the church in its later form, which I 
have picked out of the old record with a 
good deal of interest. In less than two 
months after the church was organized, 
and when its first deacons were chosen, (at 
a meeting held May 9, 1817,) a librarian 
for the Village Church Library was ap- 
pointed. A committee of three also re- 
ceived appointment as a " Committee of 
Selection;" their duty evidently under- 
stood to be to select books for this library. 
Now to select books for a library involves 
money, furnished by somebody ; and that 
three men were needed on this commit- 
tee seems to indicate that there was 
something important for them to do. Now 
to do anything important in the way of 
selecting books, involves and implies a 
good deal, and more then than now. 

I suppose this could not have been a 
Sunday-school library ; if it was, the Sun- 
day school originated a good deal earlier 
than the date which I have given. The 
library is called a church library. In either 
case the book power was recognized by the 
young church, and it was determined to 
make use of it. What a marvelous power 
has it become since that time ! 

This church has raised up, for service in 
the great field of christian labor, one min- 
ister and one missionary. The minster is 
the Eev. Ira Smith ; and the missionary is 
the Rev. H. A. DeForest [class of 1832, 
Yale], who went to Syria, returned with 
the seeds of fatal disease in his system, and 
so ended his work on earth. I am glad to 
find that a missionary to that old land has 
had any connection with us. I am not quite 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

certain what the connection was. I take 
the fact, as I have stated it, on trust, not 
having had opportunity to verify it. I have 
searched the old records for his name but 
have not, thus far, succeeded in finding it. 
I shall trace out the matter as fully as I 
can. It is certainly a benefit to us to have 
such a point of contact with the great mis- 
sionary enterprise. To follow a missionary 
of the cross, who is a i^ersonal acquaintance, 
with prayer, and interest, and faith, is in- 
vigorating to the heart which does it, and 
is honorable to God, whose service the 
work is. 

The Rev. Robert C. Bell, now the efficient 
pastor of the Congregation.-il Church in 
Darien, in this state, was, for a time, be- 
fore his entrance upon his ministry, a mem- 
ber of this church, and conies hero to the 
family home. His name belongs to our 
history. 



I designed to say more about the rivivals 
which have occurred within the church, 
noticing not only its larger ingatherings, 
but also its other harvests. It ought to be 
characterized by them to be true to its ori- 
gin, for the church in its later form was 
born in a revival. In the record left by 
the Council of Five, of the work which they 
performed on that 12th of March, 1817, 
they say : — " The meeting proceeded to con- 
sider this application, and the state of this 
village, especially the increase of godly 
people in the present revival of religion, and 
are of the opinion that a compliance with 
the above request may condnce to the pros- 
perity of Ziou." 

I desired also to, at least, mention some 
of the lessons to be gathered from the facts 
which I have presented to you. But I will 
not. You are weary, and you can do this 
work for yourselves. I will only express 
the wish, which I find so distinctly in my 
heart that I cannot deny it some utterance, 
that this church of the Lord Jesus Christ 
may be ever true to the Master, earnest in 
the doing of, his work, and receive of his 
blessing till it shall overflow. It has a Past. 
May it have a Future ! 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 21 

FIRST ORGANIZATION 

OF THE 

congregatio:nal church, 

IIV ITJ^Q. 

The following is a literal copy of an oM MS., fixing the date of the forma- 
tion of the first ecclesiastical society in Seymour : 

Derby, November 3(1, A. I)., 1780. 
This may sertify all whom it may concern, that the subscribers have joined 
and paid towards the support of the Gospel at the Congregational Society, in 
Derby, near Bladen Brook, and mean for the future to support the Gospel 
there : 

Capt. Timothy Baldwin, 

Asahel Johnson, 

Gideon Johnson, 

Capt. Bradford Steel, 

Elisha Steel, 

Isaac Baldwin, 

Ebr. Turel Whitmore, 

Amos Hine, 

Bradford Steel, Jr., 

Medad Keney, 

Hezekiah Wodin, 

John Adye, 

Ashbel Loveland, 

Truman Loveland, 

Ebenezer Warner, 

Leveret Pritchard, 

Levi Tomlinson, 

John Coe, 

Ebenezer Beacher Johnson, 

Nathan Wheler, 

Bezalel Peck, 

Frances Forque, 

Joseph Loines, 

Moses Clark, 

Philo Hinman, 

Thomas Hotchkis. 

Sertifyed by me, Levi Tomlinson, 

Society Clerk. 



HISTOKY OF SEYMOUR. 



23 



COINS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 




PINE TKEE SHILLING. 

One of the most inten^stiiii; of the early coins is the variety known as 
the "Pine Tree Shillinir," once known as the Boston or Bay Shillinj^s, which 
was issued at intervals for more than twenty-five years, though these coins 
all bear the original date, 1(552. 




{^KANBY OOPPEK. 



The earliest Connecticut com of which we have any record is tin; Granby 
Copper, issued in 1737, by a Mr. Iligley of Granby and made of copper from 
Cojjper Hill, afterward the seat of the famous Newgate Prison. Within the 
exergue of the reverse are three sledge hammers crowned. Another variety 
with a similar obverse bears on the reverse the head of an ox, with the legend, 
1^1. CUT. MY. WAY. THROUGH. As these pieces were only private 
tokens and their issue quite linnted, specimens are now rare and highly valued. 



24 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 




CONNECTICUT CENT. 

The above, issued by autliority of the colony of Connecticut, (Auctori 
Connec,) were struck only four years, viz : 1785-8, the further issue of money 
by the colonies being theu prohilHted by Congress. The motto, "Inde et 
Lib,," (Independence and Liberty.) was full of significence to the colonists, 
after the long war for liberty and independence in which they had suffered so 
much. Of the cents issued in these four years there are extant nearly a 
hundred types, distinguished by the bust of Liberty facing right or left, by 
the misspelling of the word AUCTORi, as AUCTOPI, AUCTOBI, AUCTOBE and 
AUCION, by variations in the punctuation, by correct obverses with a variety 
of reverses, &c. The cents of 1787 are the most common, and the varieties 
of this date the most numerous. 



SEYMOUR AND VICIXITY. 



TRINITY CHURCH. 

PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL. 

At tlio request of Thcophilos Miles, Jona- 
than Miles, and Benjamin Davis, a warrant 
was issued by Levi Tomlinson, a Justice of 
the I'oaco for New Haven County, directed 
to Benjamin Davis, an indifferent person, 
requesting him to give notice to all the 
inhabitants jirofessing the religion of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, residing with- 
in certain prescribed limits, to meet at the 
house of Dr. Samuel Sanford, on the 20th 
day of Feb., 1797 ; then and there to form 
an Episcopal Ecclesiastical Society. 

This warrant was dated Feb. 12th, 1797, 
and was served on thirty-nine persons, viz : 
Reuben Lum, James Manville, Nathan 
-Mansfield, William Tucker, Benjamin Haw- 
ley, Russell Tomliuson, Martin Beebe.Enos 
G. Nettleton, Ephraim Wooster, Nathaniel 
Holbrook, Jeremiah Gillette, Josiah Net- 
tleton, Philo Holbrook, Edward Hayes, 
Nathan Stiles, Wilson Hnrd, William 
Church, Abel Church, John Griffin, Daniel 
Davis, Bowers Washband, Alexander John- 
son, Timothy Johnson, Joseph Johnson, 
Charles French, Israel Bostwick, Moses 
Riggs and John White. The persons met 
at the time and place named in the warn- 
ing, (the house now owned by Mr. Henry 
Wheeler), when Benjamin Davis was ap- 
pointed moderator, Samuel Sanford clerk, 
and Joel Chatfield, Israel French and 
Jonathan Miles Society's Committee. As 
there had been a union of the Parish of 
Great Hill with the Episcopalians of the 
new Parish it was concluded to call the 
new organization Union Church. 

Beyond the organization of the Society no 
other business appears to have been trans- 
acted at this time, and the meeting adjourn- 
ed to meet at the same place at the end of 
the week, Feb. 27th. At this meeting they 
began in earnest to lay the foundation of 
a house for the Lord ; and Benjamin Davis, 
Edv.'ard Hayes, Nathaniel Johnson and 
John White were appointed a committee 
to furnish materials for the building of the 
Church. The land upon which the Church 
stands was purchased of Leverett Pritch- 
ard, and cost $60 ; the deed is dated March 



23rd, 1797. The committee to whom was 
intrusted the provision of funds and ma- 
terials for a church building immediately 
commenced their labors, and if their ener- 
gy be judged by their success they are 
entitled to the award of industry and per- 
severance. Early in the spring the corner 
stone was laid by the Rev. Edward Blakes- 
lee, then an assistant to Rev. Dr. Mansfield 
of Derby; during the summer the build- 
ing was raised and before winter entirely 
enclosed. After the building had been in- 
closed the committee found the funds at 
their disposal exhausted, and not willing 
to involve the Society in debt, concluded 
to suspend their work, and the finishing of 
the building was reserved for a later day. 
Seats were however provided, benches 
made of slabs. To accomplish this much 
great sacrifices were made ; for their num- 
ber was not only small and limited in their 
worldly means, but they also had to con- 
tend against what was termed the "estab- 
lished order," viz : against the Presbyterian 
influence which had at that time complete 
power in the state, and which regarded 
every such efi'ort as a direct attack upon 
itself. 

Of this Church Dr. Richard Mansfield 
v^as the first pastor,and for his support the So- 
ciety voted to pay him .5 pence on tiie pound 
on the grand list of 1797. He was at this 
time rector of the Church in Derby. This 
connection between the two parishes does not 
appear to have been harmonious ; for earlj' 
in the year 1800, a committee was appoint- 
ed to devise some means for uniting Derby 
and this Society under one pastoral charge. 
How long Dr. Mansfield continued in the 
rectorship of the Parish can not be cor- 
rectly ascertained ; but probably not longer 
than 1802; for in that year a committee 
was appointed to employ a clergyman for 
one quarter of his time. But as he had 
been settled for life, this Society assisted 
in supporting Dr. Mansfield after his pas- 
toral connection had terminated, and con- 
tinued to do 80 for eighteen years, until 
the time of his death in the year 1820. 
Jonathan Miles was appointed the first 
delegate to the Convention of this Diocese. 
He was a member of the 13th annual con- 
vention, held in the year 1798. 



26 



SEYMOUR A^^D VICIJ^ITY. 



In the year 1802 the Union Bank was es- 
tablished, out of which a fnnd was to be 
raised for the support of the ministry. Of 
this bank Abijah Hull was treasurer. The 
amount of subscriptions was about !i)i2,000, 
by fifty-seven persons. This bank during 
its existence proved a bone of contention, 
and in 1811 action was taken for its disso- 
lution, and subsequently the notes and 
money which constituted the bank were 
returned to the original proprietors, they 
paying interest on the same up to the year 
1808. After the resignation of Dr. Mansfield 
in 1802, thechurch remained for ayearunsup- 
plied. In 1803 a committee was appointed 
to confer with committees from Oxford and 
Derby, in relation to employing a clergy- 
man with power to agree with Derby and 
Oxford for one year, or to make proposals 
to the other committees, or either of them, 
to confer with a clergyman for a settlement 
and get his proposals, and report the same 
to a subsequent meeting. The clergyman 
about whom they were to confer was Rev. 
Samuel Griswold. These conferences were 
unsuccessful. 

The next year they succeed in settling 
the Rev. Solomon Blakeslee; and yet he 
only remained three months, when the ser- 
vices of the Rev. Calvin White was secured 
for six mouths, at the end of which time 
he removed. lu 1805 the Rev. Ammi Rodg- 
ers was engaged for one-third of his time 
for three months. At the expiration of 
three mouths the engagement was renew- 
ed and a resolution expressing the satisfac- 
tion of the Society with his services was 
adopted. This resolution was probably of 
his own proposal, and designed to varnish a 
character deeply stained with guilt. The 
Societj' subsequently became convinced of 
the charges made against him and he was 
dismissed, how long he continued in the 
Rectorship is not certainly known, but 
probablynot more than ouo j^ear; for in 
1807 the services of the Rev. Ambrose Todd 
were secured for one-third of his time for 
one year. Who succeeded Rev. Mr. Todd 
the records do not show; but the Rev. Mr. 
Blakeslee was again rector in 1810, in 
which he continued nearly three years. 

In 1812 an eflbrt was made to unite this 
church and Oxford under one pastoral 



charge, but it failed. In 1813 the Rev. 
James Thompson became Rector, bu t he on ly 
remained one year. In 1814 the Rev. Mr. 
White was again employed. Like Mr. 
Thompson his connection with the parish 
was of short duration , and the following year, 
1815, we find the Rev. Chauncy Prindle, 
Rector. In 1813 the Parish paid an assess- 
ment of $60 towards establishing a fuud 
for the supportof the Bishop. 

At a meeting of the Parish, Jan. 29, 1816, 
measures were taken to complete the 
church, which up to this time had remained 
in an unfinished state. Abraham English, 
Josiah Nettleton,Theophilos Miles, Nathan- 
iel Johnson and Josiah Swift wereappointed 
a committee to obtain subscriptions to- 
wards this object; and in March of the 
same year they were authorized to expend 
the money thus raised. The amount sub- 
scribed was $1250, contributed by sixty- 
three persons. The Church when finished 
was consecrated Sept. 2nd, 1817, by the 
Right Reverend John Henry Hobart, D. D., 
Bishop of the Diocese of New York. After 
the consecration of the Church the Rev. 
Mr. Thompson again became the Rector 
and continued in that connection until 
1819, when the Rev. Aaron Humphreys was 
elected. 

In 1818 we find for the first time some- 
thing of the condition of the Parish, so far 
as its strength was concerned, viz: inimber 
of communicants, 45; number of families, 
63; number of persons, 279 ; grand levy, 
$7,420.95. In 1819 the Parish was drawn 
into a law suit by its first Rector, the Rev. 
Dr. Mansfield. The Parish became remiss 
in paying its portion for his support, and 
to quicken its energies this suit was 
brought. The Dr. gained his cause and 
the Parish was compelled to pay up all 
arrearages. The death of the Dr., April 
nth, 1820, aged 96 years, relieved the Par- 
ish from this onerous charge. In 1821 a 
new roof was placed on the church at a 
cost of $60. In 1822 the slips were first 
rented at public sale, the proceeds of the 
sale amounting to $146.40. Up to this 
time the salary had been raised by a tax 
on the grand list. In the evening of the 
1st of June of this year, 1822, the steeple 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY 

oftbechnrch was struck by li<;btuing; to 
repair tbe injury $182.88 was raised and 
$182.84 expended. In 1822 tbe Rev. Stepben 
Jewett became Rector of tbe Parisb, and 
tbe following year made tbis report : nnm- 
ber of communicants, M; baptisms, 2; mar- 
riages, 4; funerals, 5; families, 55. Mr. 
Jewett continued in tbe Rectorsbip eleven 
years; and during bis ministry tbero were 
baptised 127 infants and eigbty adults; 51 
marriages were solemnized and 88 persons 
were buried. In 1827 tbe Sunday Scbool 
Scbool was started, and "tbe Society's 
committee were appointed to superintend 
and regulate its aftairs and procure sucb 
books as were required." 

In tbe next year tbe bell was procured 
at a cost of $256.19. It was first used Aug. 
12tb, 1828, to toll tbe deatb of a son of Mr. 
Jobu S. Mosbier. In tbe sunmier of tbe 
same year a sum was raised by sub.scrip- 
tions for tbe purpose of painting tbe 
cburcb and fenxjing tbe burying ground, 
amounting to $251, all of wbicli was done 
at an expense of $247. In tbe same year 
Mr. Isaac Kinney presented tbe Parisb witb 
a stove. Before tbis time tbe cburcb bad 
tu)t been warmed. Tbe first organ was 
placed in tbe cburcb about tbe year 1831. 
It was built by Mr. Wbiting of New Haven, 
and in 1850 was enlarged and improved by 
Mr. Jardiue of New York, at an expense of 
1505. 

After tbe resignation of tbe Rev. Mr. 
Jewett in 1832, tbe Rev. Cbarles W. Brad- 
lew became Rector of tbe Parisb and re- 
mained in that connection one year, wben 
be was succeeded by the Rev. John D. 
Smith at Easter, 1834. Mr. Smith contin- 
ued in tbe Rectorsbip eleven years. In tbe 
first five years be officiated in tbis cburcb 
every Sunday; tbe next two years be divid- 
ed his services equally between tbis cburcb 
and St. Peter's, Oxford. In 1841 this ar- 
rangement was discontinued, and Mr. 
Smith again confined his labors to this Par- 
ish. In 1841 the church underwent a com- 
plete repair at an expense of $150. The 
wood work in the interior was grained and 
the pulpit lowered about three feet; it 
would have added much more to the con- 
venieuco of tbe hearers as well as the 



27 



speaker, if it had been cut down five feet 
more; but tbe small reduction in height 
was looked upon as a great innovation by 
some of the older meml)ers of the Parish. 

At Easter in 1845, Rev. Mr. Smith re- 
signed tbe Rectorsbip of the Parisb, and 
the Rev. John Purvis became the Rector. 
He remained two years and during bis 
ministry be baptised six adults and twen- 
ty-six children, married three couple and 
attended sixteen funerals. At this time 
there were about one hundred communi- 
cants connected witb the parish. In tbe 
summer of 1845 the cburcb was painted on 
tbe outside at tbe cost of $120, which was 
defrayed by the ladies' sewing society. 
Tbe next spring the ladies furnished the 
cburcb with carpets, lamps and curtains 
for tbe windows. At tbe resignation of 
the Rev. Mr. Purvis the Rev. Abel Nichols 
officiated as a supply one year, until Easter, 
1848. At tbe annual meeting in 1847 a re- 
port was made of the indebtedness of the 
Parish, which was $285.46. At the same 
time the committee were "instructed to 
procure from tbe grand list of tbe town tbe 
amount tbe several members of tbe Parish 
stand in said list and report the same to 
tbe next meeting." This action was taken 
witb a view of taxing tbe members of the 
Parisb sufficient to pay its indebtedness. 
Whether tbe prospect of a tax or dissatis- 
faction vvith tbe management of tbe afi'airs 
of the Parisb or whether some other cause 
operated, is not recorded, but tiie records 
show that about this time a number of the 
members withdrew from its connection and 
left tbe burden which they had helped to 
create to be liquidated by tbe more faith- 
ful, though not more able, friends of the 
church. Tbe report of tbe committee was 
not made as directed, and tbe debt was 
not paid. From Easter, 1848, uutil Sep- 
tember of that year the cburcb remained 
vacant, when the Rev. William F. Walker 
assumed the charge of the Parish. He 
was instituted into tbe Rectorsbip (the first 
and last institution in tbe Parisb) Nov. 
22nd, 1848, and continued in charge nntil 
January, 1851, when he removed to New 
York. Ho was subsequently tried by an 
ecclesiastical court and Ibnnd guilty of 



28 

immoralitios for which 

graded from f.he ministr 



SEYJMOUK AND VICINITY. 



he was de- 
% by Right Rev. 
Bishop Warnwright, at the Geueral Con- 
vention of 1853. When he removed he 
took with him the Parish register, which 
has not yet, and probably never will be re- 
turned, as the last heard of it, it was be- 
ing used for a scrap book. The loss of the 
register deprives the Parish of much valua- 
ble information in regard to the number of 
communicants, baptisms, marriages and 
deaths in the Parish for a long term of 
years. After his degradation from the minis- 
try Walker lived a tragical life and died 
from the etfect of an overdose of medicine 
prescribed for the relief of a nervous affec- 
tion, in the early part of 1876. 

At the Easter of 1851 the Rev. Charles 
G. Acly became Rector and remained two 
years. For several years previous to this 
a debt had been constantly inoreasiug until 
it amounted to ^tJiSSO at the Easter of 1853, 
which Mr. Acly succeeded in canceling be- 
fore he left the Parish. The ladies' society 
contributed $170 of the amount paid, The 
Parish was now entirely free from debt. 
In June, 1853, the Rev. O. Evans Shannon 
became Rector of the Parish. At a meet- 
ing at Easter, 1856, the name of the Parish 
was changed from Union to Trinity. At 
this time the church needed considerable 
repairs; the timbers in the steeple were 
much decayed and it was considered un- 
safe by those who carefully examined it, 
the roof leaked badly, and the enlarge- 
ment and repair of the church began to be 
seriously talked about. At Easter, 1857, 
a committee was appointed consisting of 
Thomas W. Holbrook, B. W, Smith and 
Sheldon Church, to see what could be done 
in regard to repairs, and to report at an 
adjourned meeting. Their report was 
made in the following June, that about 
$2,100 had been subscribed to defray the 
expense of the contemplated repairs, and 
it was resolved to begin the work. The 
plans of the alterations had been previous- 
ly made by Mr. Austin of New Haven. A 
building committee was appointed, con- 
sisting of B. W. Smith, S. D. Russell and 
Sheldon Church, the two former only acted. 

At the meeting which resolved to begin 



the work but four legal voters were pres- 
ent, viz: Harpiu Riggs, S. D. Russell and 
Thomas W. Holbrook, Vestrymen, and B. 
W. Smith, Parish Clerk, three of which 
were in favor of the enterprise and one op- 
posed it; but after the decision was made 
all acted in perfect harmony throiigliout. 
The last service was held in the old chhrch 
on the 5th of July, 1857. The expense of 
the work amounted to $6,000. The ex- 
pense of furnishing the church with car- 
pets, cushions, &c., and completing the 
steeple above the bell deck was defrayed 
by the ladies of the Parish, and amounted 
to over $800. 

The church was consecrated by Right 
Rev. Bishop Williams, on the 11th of May, 
18.58. The building was almost entirely 
new, with the exception of the frame. The 
number of slips were iucreased from forty- 
two to seventy, and in doing the work a 
debt of $3,000 was contracted. To com- 
plete the church was no easy task with the 
limited a^mount of money at the disposal 
of the committee, and how the funds were 
furnished is known only to those who had 
the matter in charge. The collection of 
subscriptions or the loaning of money was 
made almost impossible by the tinancial 
crisis which commenced early in Septem- 
ber after the work was begun, and caused 
financial ruin throughout the country. 
The committee received but little aid or 
encouragement from men connected with 
the Parish beyond its officers, and certainly 
they neither received or expected any from 
any other source; but on the contrary they 
were ridiculed in every possible manner, 
and it was prophesied that the undertaking 
would prove as disastrous as the "South Sea 
Bubble," that the church would never bo 
completed, or if it was it never would be 
paid for. The workmen were advised to 
get their pay as they did their work or 
they never would get it; but to their 
credit they heeded not the advice. The 
lumber merchant was told more than once 
that he never would get pay for the lumber 
furnished for the building, and a leading 
merchant in the village refused to furnish 
the committee with ten pounds of nails, on 
the credit of the Parish. Acting under 



SEYMOUR Ayjy YICDsITY, 



29 



these circamstauces it is presumed that it 
would be an aflfectatioo for the committee 
to say that they were uot considerably em- 
barrassed ; and yet, when the church was 
re-opened every bill of expense for the re- 
pairs had been paid with the exception of 
§30 for painting and about the same amount 
due to one of the joiners. In ld64 the debt 
contracted in rebuilding the church was 
reduced to less than four hundred dollars. 

It has been said that the committee re- 
ceived but Itttle encouragement from the 
men connected with the Parish, but the 
same can not be said of the ladies, for they 
rendered most valuable aid, not only by 
the §800 which they contributed, but by 
the cheerful encouragement which was be- 
stowed on every proper occasion. It will 
be doing no injustice to other ladies to 
mention in this connection the name of 
Mrs. M. P. Shannon, the wife of the Rector. 

Rev. Mr. Shannon resigned the charge of 
the Parish the first of June, 1866. During 
his ministry here there were 185 baptisms 
performed, 105 persons were confirmed at 
nine visits of the Bishop; 166 were buried 
and 202 were joined in holy matrimonv. 
On the 18th of May, 1864, the steeple ot 
the church was again strnck by lightning, 
but the damage done was but a few dollars. 
On the first of April, 1866, the Parish bought 
a house of Mrs. Lucy M. Beach for a Rec- 
tory, at a cost of .§"2,500. From the resig- 
nation of the Rev. Mr. Shannon to January, 
1867, the Rectorship remained vacant. 
Regular services however were maintained 
by temporary supply. In the month of 
July. 1*66, the church was painted on the 
outside at an expense of §290.53, of which 
sum §267.73 was paid by the ladies of the 
Parish. 

The Rev. George Seabury entered upon 
the Rectorship of the Parish on the second 
Sunday in January, 1867. In the fall of 
the year 1867 the chuich was closed for 
two months; when the interior wood work 
was grained and the walls colored, at the 
cost of §800 , over §600 of which was paid 
by the ladies of the Parish. The church 
was re-opened on the last Sunday in Octo- 
ber. Before the re-opening of the church 
an altar had been placed in the chancel at 
the cost of 117.64, "which was paid by the 
ladies of the Parish; and soou a/ter a 
credence was placed at the left of the 
altar at the cost of §15.40, the gift of a 
female member of the Parish. At Christ- 
mas of this year a prayer desk and lect- 
urn were placed in the chancel at the cost 
of $70.50, which was raised by subscrip- 



tions, and soon after prayer books for the 
altar and prayer desk at the cost of $29. 
In December, 1670, a cabinet organ was 
purchased for the Sunday School at the 
cost of §130, raised by subscriptions. In 
the summer of 1871 a new stone font was 
placed in the church. The cost of the same 
was .§177.18, raised by the ladies of the 
Parish, the proceeds of a festival. 

In 1872 hangings for the pulpit and lec- 
turn were provided for by subscriptions at 
the cost of §26.50. In March, 1873, the 
Rectory property purchased in 1866 for 
§2,500, was sold for the same sum and the 
proceeds used to liquidate the debt incurred 
through the original purchase. About the 
same time subscriptions to the amount of 
about §1000 were secured to cancel the 
floating debt of the parish, (including the 
balance, §400, of the debt incurred in 1657 
for rebuilding the church), this substantial- 
ly freeing the Parish from debt. 

The Rev. George Seabury resigned the 
Rectorship of the Parish on the 21st of 
April, 1875, after an encumbency of over 
eight years. During his Rectorship 132 
persons were baptised, 74 persons received 
the rite of Confirmation, 169 persons were 
admitted to the Holy Communion, 46 mar- 
riages were solemnized, and the bodies of 
12-8 were committed to the ground, '"Earth 
to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust." 

The present statistics of the Parish are 
nearly as follows: families, 135; baptised 
members of the church, 410; communicants, 
157. The loss of the Parish register in 1651 
reudes it impossible to state the statistics 
of the Parish with correctness previous to 
that time. On the 27th day of June, 1875, 
the steeple of the church was the third 
time struck by lightning; the damage done 
amounted to about .§50. 

Of the sixty -three persons who contribu- 
ted to defray the expense of finishing the 
chiTch in 1*16, not one is now living. Mr. 
Isaac Kinney who died recently at the age 
of eighty-five was the last survivor. Of 
the slip holders in 1840. only two are slip 
holders at the present time, viz: Dr. S. C. 
Johnson and B. W. Smith, and only five of 
the whole number are now living. The 
subscription lists containing the names of 
the contributors and the amount contribu- 
ted by each for church purposes, have in 
almost every instance been carefully pre- 
served, and if now published, would probab- 
ly prove more interesting to the public 
than to the living subscribers. Duriug the 
first twenty-five years from the organiza- 
tion of the Parish eight clergymen were 
employed for a specified length of time, 
and in the nest fifty-three years, nine, 
foi^r of whom had charge of the Parish over 
forty-three years. On the 25th of Septem- 
ber, 1875, the Rev. Edwin J. K. Lessel be- 
came Rector of the Parish. B. W. S. 



THE INDIANS. 



The Quinnipiac Indians, who mostly lived around 'Sew Ha^en Harbor, 
claimed the land to the north and northwest as far as the Naugatuck, but it 
was the Paugussetts who mostly occupied the valleys of the Housatonic and 
the Xaugatuck. They were not numerous for a section so well adapted to 
yield liberal supplies to the hunter and the fishernum, for years before the 
merciless Mohawks from Xew York, of the warlike Iroquois race, had raided 
over this section, and the Connecticut Indians, who were of the peaceful 
Algonquin stock, had been greatly lessened in numbers. 

The chief seat of the Paugussett Indians was at the mouth of the Nauga- 
tuck. On the triangular shaped tract of land which terminates at the junc- 
tion of the two rivers, was their headquarters, and on the east bank of the 
Housatonic, about a mile above the confluence of the Housatonic and the 
Xaugatuck, was their fortress, to which they retreated in times of danger. 
The last sachem at this place, Conciuepotanah, died in 1731. 

From the time of the first deeds from Indians to white men, in this 
vicinity, in 1662 and 1664, (see pp. 5 to 7), the Indians continued to dispose 
of their lands to the whites for probably about all they were worth at that 
time. The Indians were evidently satisfied with their renumeration and seem 
to have made no reprisals. Among those who sold the lands, and who were 
evidently sachems and chiefs, were Ansantaway, also written Ansantwan and 
Ansantawae, and his two sons Ockenuck, (Okenance, Akenanco and Ocke- 
nungo,) and Tountonemo, (Toutaemo) ; also Conquepotana, (Conchupatany, 
Conquepatana or Konkapotanauh, and Huntawah (Ahuntaway or Ahan- 
taway). Cheshconeeg, who lived near Squantuck in 1693, is also identified 
with Cliusqunnoog, who was in 1716 one of the grantors of a tract of land 
north of the Waterbury and Woodbury bounds, extending from the Nauga- 
tuck to the Shepang. 



32 HISTORY OF SEYMOUE. 

Eeferring to these sales of the lands, Dr. Anderson sa.ys : " It would be 
interesting to consider somewhat carefully the nature of this primitive pro- 
prietorship, for it has decided bearings upon the great modern question of the 
origin of property, and the significance of that ' institution ' in the history of 
civilization. It was said by Sir Edmund Andross that Indian deeds were 
' no better than the scratch of a bear's paw ; ' and there are those at the 
present day who, for different reasons from those which shaped the opinion of 
Andross, would deny that the aboriginal ownership of the soil was of any ac- 
count whatever. Because their system was a kind of communism, their 
rights amount to nothing in the eyes of these modern thinkers. The early 
settlers, however, either from a sense of justice or out of regard to expediency, 
made it a rule to extinguish the titles of the natives by actual purchase. And 
when we consider the value of money at that day, the ' unimproved ' condi- 
tion of the lands, and the fact that in almost all cases the grantors reserved 
either large sections as hunting grounds, or else the right to hunt everywhere 
as before the sale, we can hardly say that the Indians were unfairly dealt 
with. The Indian usually reserved, or at least supposed that he was reserving, 
the right to hunt and fish everywhere, as before the lands were sold. In most 
of the towns, he remained harmless and unmolested in the neighborhood of 
the settlements, from generation to generation. The relations of the aborigi- 
nal inhabitants to the whites are well illustrated in the statement of an aged 
citizen of Farmington, who died within the present century, and who was 
born about 1730, 'that within his recollection the Indian children in the dis- 
trict school were not much fewer than those of the whites. In their snow- 
balling parties the former used to take one side and the latter another, when 
they would be so equally balanced in numbers and prowess, as to render the 
battle a very tough one and the result doubtful.' But, however good the in- 
tentions of the white man may have been, the transformation of the wilder- 
ness into a fruitful field must go steadily on, and the Red Man must in- 
evitably fall back, seeking new hunting grounds. For example, the 
Paugussets of the seacoast removed inland, as we have seen, and made their 
principal seat at the lower end of the Xaugatuck Valley, which thus became 
practically a new settlement." 

Joseph Islauwehu was the son of Gideon Mauwehu, a Pequot Indian, 
who lived for a time in or near Derby, and afterward removed to Scatacook 
and was chief of the Indians who collected there. Joseph was brought in his 
boyhood to Derby ISTeck to live with a Mr. Durand till he arrived at man- 
hood, then was married to Sarah, of the Farmington Indians and settled in 
the south part of Derby near Turkey Hill, but afterward removed to Nauko- 
tunk, now Seymour. Joseph lived at first near the Falls, afterwards in a 
frame house built for him on the site where Dr. Thomas Stoddard now lives. 
De Forest, in his History of the Indians of Connecticut, gives the following 
account of Joseph Mauwehu : 



TIIK INDIANS. 33 

" Here a few followers gathered round him, and during; forty or fifty 
years he played the part of a petty sachem. From his manner of pronouncing 
the word ' choose,' he was nick-named Chuce ; and he is still well remembered 
in the village by the name of Old Chuce. He built his wigwam among a few 
oak trees near the falls, and supported himself, after the fashion of his race 
by lishing and hunting and by the produce of a little patch of ground. When 
he took up his residence here, there were only two or three white families in 
the vicinity, but others followed, and gradually built up a village, which for 
many years was known by the name of Chuce-town. The sachem lived on 
the most amicable terms with his civilized neighbors, and 1 have heard him 
spoken of with feelings of evident kindness and sympathy by those who re- 
membered him. Anecdotes arc preserved of him which show that he wag 
soTuewhat addicted to the use of ardent spirits, and considered rum or whisky 
essentially superior as a beverage to cold watt^r. He used to come when ho 
was thirsty to a fine spring bursting from a hollow rock at the foot of a hill 
and there used to sit on the bank by the side of the spring, and drink the 
sweet water as it gushed from the rock, and praise it, and say that if there 
Avas only another spring, just such a spring, of rum, flowing by the side of it 
he would ask for nothing more, but would be perfectly happy." 

The spring referred to was a few rods east of where Davis' Block now 
stands, and the place is still marked by a well, the place having been 
gradually covered with earth to the depth of ten or twelve feet. There used 
to be a little lakelet south of the spring, three or four rods in length, abound- 
ing with small fish. This was drained about 1845, and afterward filled in. 

Among the traditions of this period is one of a white man named 
Durand and an Indian who were hunting near the river about a ujile below 
the bridge. Durand, seeing something moving in the bushes, which he sup- 
posed to be a deer, aimed at the place and fired. Hastening to the spot he 
found he had shot an Indian, who, in his last agonies, asked for water, which 
Durand brought for him from the river. The case was submitted to arbitra- 
tion, and during the discussion one of the Indian witnesses remarked, refer- 
ring to the Indian's bright leggings, that he never before knew of a deer 
wearing red stockings. The Indians were, however, satisfied that the homi- 
cide was accidental, and ever afterward treated the white hunter in the most 
friendly manner. 

Mauwehu moved back to the falls for a while before he moved to Scatacook. 
He had eight children, two sons and six daught(n-s. His oldest son, Joseph, 
enlisted as a soldier and went to Boston when hostilities commenced. After 
liis term of service closed on his way home he was poisoned and died, prob- 
ably by the opposers of the war. Three of his children died in childhood. 
Elihu, his youngest son, was an unusually intelligent Indian. 



34 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

The tribe of which Mauwehu was a member, chiimed the land as far north 
as Mattatuck or Waterbury. When the Indian census was taken by the 
colony in 1774, there were four of Ohuse's band in Waterbury, where the first 
settlers were not particular to higgle with the Indians (concerning the owner- 
ship of the land, but paid both the Farmington Tuuxis and the Derby 
Paugussetts for it. They w^ere paid in hard cash, not with the baubles some- 
times used to cheat the Indians of their lands. The first deed was dated 1G74, 
but the same land was bounded more definitely and again purchased in 1G85, 
and the third time the Derby Indians were paid 25 shillmgs for " a small 
piece of land north of the Derby bounds, west of Naugatuck river and south 
of Toantick brook." 

Of Eunice, a daughter of Mauwehu, and her children, De Forest said in 
1850 : " Old Eunice, as she was commonly called, died a number of years 
since. Her two children, Jim and Ruby, I have often seen coming into my 
native village, to sell parti-colored baskets and buy provisions and rum. 
Ruby was short and thick, and her face was coarse and stupid. Jim's huge 
form was bloated with liquor; his voice was coarse and hollow; and his steps, 
even when he was not intoxicated, were unsteady from the evil effects of 
ardent spirits. At present, I believe, they are all in their graves!" 

"Knowing little of European modes of life, and judging of the colonists 
greatly by themselves, they supposed that the latter would cultivate but a lit- 
tle land, and support themselves for the rest by trading, fishing and hunting. 
Little did they think that in the course of years the white population would 
increase from scores to hundreds, and from hundreds to thousands; that the 
deep forests would be cut down; that the wild animals would disappear; that 
the fish would grow few in the rivers; and that a poor remnant. . . .would 
eventually leave the graves of their forefathers, and wander away into another 
land. Could they have anticipated that a change so wonderful, and in their 
history so unprecedented, would of necessity follow the coming of the white 
man, they would have preferred the wampum tributes of the Pequots and the 
scalping parties of the Five Nations to the vicinity of a people so kind, so 
peaceable and yet so destructive." (De Forest, pp. 164, 105.) 

"Chieftains of a vanished race, 

In your ancient burial place. 

By your fathers' ashes blest, 

Now in peace securely rest. 

Since on life you looked your last, 

Changes o'er your land have passed; 

Strangers came with iron sway. 

And your tribes have passed away. 

But your fate shall cherished be 

In the strangers' memory; 

Virtue long her watch sluill keep, 

Where the Red Men's ashes sleep." 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 35 

In the early clays of New Englaiui not only negroes, bnt Indians, were 
held as slaves to the whites. In the old records of Derby are occasional en- 
tries of Indian slaves. Following are deeds of this kind : 

"Know all men by these presents that I, Joseph Gorhain of Stratford, in the 
county of Fairfield, in the colony of Connecticut, for and in consideration of sixty 
pounds money in baud received, and well and truly paid by Col. Ebenezer Johnson of 
Derby, in the county of New Haven and colony aforesaid, to my full satisfaction and 
content, have sold and made over unto the said Ebenezer Johnson and to his heirs, 
executors and assigns forever, one Indian womau named Dinah, of about twenty -six 
years of age: for him, the said Johnson, his heirs, executors or assigns, to have, hold 
and enjoy the said Indian woman Dinah as his and their own proper estate from 
henceforth forever, during the said Dinah's life; afifirming the said Dinah to be my 
own proper estate, and that I have in myself full power aud lawful authority to sell 
and dispose of the said Dinah in manner as aforesaid, and that free and clear of all. 
incumbrances whatsoever. lu witness I set to my hand and seal in Stratford, this 
eight day of June in the year of our Lord God 1722. Sajujel Fkkncii, 

Attorney for Capt. Gorham. 

" Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of us, 
John Cuktiss, 
John Leavenwoktii." 

" Know all men by these presents that I, Hannah Jonson, widow of the late de- 
ceased Colonel Ebenezer Jonson of Derby, in the county of New Haven, in the colony 
of Connecticut in New Englaiul, for the parently love and good will which I have 
towards my beloved son Timothy Jonson of Derby, in the county and colony aforesaidi 
and for divers other good and well-advised considerations me thereunto moving, have 
given and do by these presents fully, freely and absolutely give, grant and confirm 
unto my beloved son Timothy Johnson, him, his heirs and assigns forever: that is to 
say, one Indian woman called Dinah, and also a feather-bed that ho hath now in pos- 
session; and by these presents I, the said Haunah Jonson, do give grant and confirm, 
and firmly make over the above-named Dinah aud feather-bed with all their privi- 
leges and profits; and unto him, the said Timothy Jonson, his heirs and assigns for- 
ever, to have and to hold, to occupy, use and improve, as he, the said Timothy .Jonson, 
his heirs aud assigns, shall think fit, without any interruption, trouble or molostatiou 
any manner of way given by me, the said Haunah Jonson, or any of my heirs, execu- 
tors or administrators, or any other person or persons from, by or under me. And 
furthermore I the said Hannah Jonson do by these presents for myself, my heirs, ex- 
ecutors and administrators, covenant aud promise to and with the said Timothy Jon- 
son, his heirs aud assigns, that we will forever warrant and defend him the said 
Timothy Jousou, his heirs and assigns, in the peaceable aud quiet possession aud en- 
joyment of the above-named Dinali and feather-bed against the lawful claims aud 
demands of all persons whomsoever. In confirmation of all the above-mentioned per- 
tikuarlyes [particulars], I the said Hannah Jonson have hereunto set my hand and 
seal this 22nd day of November, in the second year of tiio reign of our sovereign lord, 
King George the Second, and in the year one thousand seven hundred and twenty- 
eight. Hannah Joiin.son, 

" Signed, sealed and delivered in presence of 
JoSKPH Hulls, 
Charles Johnson. 

"Derby, November 22, 1728. — This day Ilannaii Jon.son, the subscriber of the 
above-written instrument, personally appeared and acknowledged this to be lior owu 
free act and deed, before me Joski-h Hulls, Justice of the Peace." 



;j(j niSTOKY OF SF.YMOUK. 

The following entry is "verbatim et literatim": 

"these uiay certifi whonie it may consarn that tobee a Inj^an that liv od with nie 
I had of a moheg ludiau at now loiidon 30 7 years a«i;oo. he liv ed with me 12 year 
and is now and has bin a free man ever seuc October the 6 1713 

Ebknezek Johnson " 

It is thought that Col. Johnson came in possession of Toby in 1688, the 
year of the beginning of King William's war, and perhaps Toby was one of 
the northern Indians in alliance with the French, taken prisoner in that war. 
A tradition has been handed down that Col. Johnson, with his forces, sur- 
rounded an Indian village, and cut down, as they supposed, every one in it, 
and that early the next morning as th(! Colonel was walking over the scene 
of the fight, a little Indian boy ran out of the bushes and clung to his leg with 
such a pleading look that the Colonel spared him, and brought him to his 
home by the Naugatuck. The manuscript quoted above seems to conflict 
with this interesting narrative. 

To bee's name is perpetuated by the appellation "Toby's Eocks," as ap- 
plied to the rocky hills and cliffs south of High Rock, which, with the sur- 
rounding land, was given to him when he became a freeman. 

The day of the Indian is passed, and that of the railroad and telegraph 
has come; yet we do not need to ride or walk far from our daily haunts to find 
a few mixed descendants of the aboriginees. These are mainly offshoots from 
the Pequots. They have lived for a long time in a narrow valley where a 
small stream and a large one unite, a spot which they have named, as Mr. 
Lossing tells us, Pisli-gacli-ti-gock — "the meeting of the waters." The name 
on white lii)s was changed to Scatacook, and the Indians became known as the 
Scatacook Indians. During a former generation these wards of civilization 
used to frequent the villages, peddling baskets and small wares to gain a live- 
lihood. 

At the beginning of the present century a remnant of the Paugussetts 
were still living in Woodbridge, bearing the name of Mack, and within a few 
years some, who were supposed to be their descendants, have frequently been 
seen in our streets offering for sale the baskets they had made. 

Arrow heads of flint and quartz are still found in our fields, and oc- 
casionally an excavation reveals the resting place of some dusky warrior, dis- 
tinguishable only by the relics which kindred hands had placed in his grave, 
hoping they might be of service to him in "the happy hunting grounds" to 
which they supposed his spirit had taken flight. 

The last full blood Indian of this tribe, now reduced to a mere hand- 
ful, mixed with negro and white blood — was the famous Eunice Mauwehu. 
She lived on a state reservation, as do now her dwindling descendants, 



HISTOKV OF SEYMOUR. 37 

and (lied in 1859, aged about 104 years. Her father was tlie last chief wlio 
ruled, and she was, conseiiuenrly, of royal blood — a princess, in fact, as she 
would have been in name, had the tribal condition of her ixople continued. 

Tutil within a few weeks of lu-r death, she often talked witii freeddui of the 
Indians and their habits. It was interestiuii" to hear her pronunciation of the 
Indian words which have now become local property, and are attached to so 
many places. In almost every instance the modern use of them is merely a 
reduction of larger and more nnuianageable ones — words which, as they are 
now used, have been shorn of a half or a third of their original syllables. 
She was intelligent, and accust(uued to talk, and renuMubered, of course, 
many curious things. She made a striking statenu-nt that she saw, when a 
little girl, an old Indian who had seen King IMiilip. The Indian was telling 
her fa.ther of the personal traits and a{)i)earance of this doughty hero, and 
narrating, perhaps, some of his nnrecorded exploits ; and she was a wrapt 
listener to the conversation. To see an Indian who had seen King Piiilip 
was like putting your hand backward upon the vessel which landed on IMyui- 
outh Hock. When one sits down to think the matter seriously over, it does 
not seem so long as it did since Columbus discovered America, or since William 
the Conqueror set foot in England, or in fact, since anything ancient happened, 
when a few memories pasted together cover an arc of time." 



yG^Xl^|'"i^i3>?'3%^'=' 



Tlie Eai-l:y- J*;ettlers. 

Benajah Johnson and Timothy, his brother, who settled in what is now 
Beacon Falls, came from Derby, but were natives of New Haven. Their 
father lived in a house which stood where the Exchange building now stands, 
and had eight sons. The wives of Timothy and Benajah Johnson were grand- 
daughters of the Rev. Nathaniel Brewster, (son of Jonathan Brewster, who 
came to Plymouth in the Mayflower,) of Setauket Village, Brookhaven, Long 
Island, and great-granddaughters of Roger Ludlow, who was one of the four 
principal men who came over from England in 1(130 with Gov. John Win- 
throp, and who began to settle the town of Dorch(;ster, Mass. Mr. Ludlow 
was soon made deputy governor of Massachusetts. In 1030 he and seven 
others were invested by Massachusetts with all the powers of the government 
of the new colony of Connecticut. He removed to Windsor, where he lived 
till lOlO, having been in the meantime appointed deputy governor of Con- 
necticut and to other high offices of trust. In 1040 he and several others 
bought of the Indians Uncou, in(duding the region now called Stratford, 
Bridgeport and Fairfield. The name belonged particularly to P^iirfield, where 
Gov. Ludlow and his associates lived, and which was first discovered by Capt. 
Mason when pursuing the Pequot Indians westward after their memorable 
defeat in 1037. Thompson, in his history of Long Island, speaking of Mr. 
Brewster says : " He was a neplunv of the Elder William Brewster of the 
IMayflower. He was a graduate in the first class of Harvard College in 
1042, which consisted of nine young men. 



38 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

During the Commonwealth, (from 1050 to 1060,) he was a minister in 
Norwalk, England, but on the restoration of monarchy, he returned, to Amer- 
ica and was settled at Setauket, L, I., in 1005. His three sons, Jolm, Daniel 
and Timothy, had resided there several years before his arrival from England. 
His wife was Sarah, daughter of Roger Ludlow, one of the most eminent 
men of New England. Mr. Ludlow was a member of the council and deputy 
goveruor of Massachusetts and Connecticut. He composed the first code of 
laws for thfe Connecticut colony, which w;!s first ])ul)lislied in 1050. Mr. Lud- 
low's daughter Sarah, the wife of Mr. Brewster, was represented as a person 
eminently distinguished for her genius and literary attainments. The three sons 
of Mr, Brewster were men of excellent character and highly useful during 
their lives. The wife of Benajah Johnson was first married to Joseph Haw- 
kins of Derby, son of fJohn Hawkins, Nov. 17, 17U0, when she was 19 years 
old. He or his sou Joseph, who was the ancestA)r of the Hawkinses of Derby, 
built the first house on Derby Poiut, where Birmingham now is, and a store 
for the purpose of importing and selling West India goods. This house and 
store were torn din\n not many years ago. 

At this time the Housatonic below Derby was navigable for vessels which 
could come up to where now is the rolling mill of the iron works. This was 
the location of the store. There was no made land below the causeway, east 
of Birmingham. Where the two rivers met was a kind of trianguhir hike, 
deep and free from mud. Joseph Hawkins died about the year 171:5. He 
had a daughter Mary, born Sept. 5th, 17lil, who married Ebenezer Judd, of 
Waterbury, Nov. 17tli, 1712, and was the mother of Brewster, Enoch, Eben- 
ezer, Sarah, David, Benajah and Amos Judd, also a sou Joseph, born April 
30th, 1721, who carried on business in the store mentioned above. The wid- 
ow Sarah (Brewster) Hawkins and Benajah Johnson were married Oct. 10th, 
1728, and they soon occupied, as pioneers, the first house in Seymour, which 
was built at the foot of the first hill north of the house of Mr. Chatfield, 
posite the present house of William Gilyard. She took her nauu3 from 
her grandmother, Sarah Ludlow. About 1750 he built the house which 
was recently torn down to make room for Chatfield's present house. They had 
three children, Isaac, Zeviah and Sarah. Isaac was born in 1735 and died April 
10th, 1813, aged 78 years. Zeviah was born in 1739 and died May 29th, 
1810, aged 77 years. Isaac married Lois Hopkins, daughter of John Hoi)kins 
of Waterbury, and first cousin of the celebrated divine. Dr. Samuel Hopkins, 
who was the sou of her uncle Timothy. The date of their marriage was Jan- 
uary 21st, 1758, by Rev. Mark Leavenworth, the pastor of the church in 
Waterbury. Lois, his wife, was born in 1738, and died Oct, 10th, 1811, aged 
70 years. Zeviah, sister of Isaac, was married to Abiel Eairchild, and 
their house was about three-fourths of a mile northwest of Pinesbridge. Mr. 
Fairchild was an excellent man. One of his neighbors said of hinj that he 
was an '' Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile." Sarah married John 
Hopkins of Waterbury. (Derby Records, vol, 9, p. 452,) 

Benajah Johnson died April 13th, 1703, aged 59, and his remains were 
carried on a horse litter to the original burying ground of Derby, His widow, 
Sarah, died May 7th, 1773, at the house of luu- daughter, Mrs, Abiel Fair- 
child, Her remains were interred in a new burying ground which had been 
begun about five years previous to her death, — about 1708, — on a terrace 
above and west of the Naugatuck railroad, about a mile above the depot in 
Seymour, This place of burial was abandoned before the year 1800, when 
the present Pinesbridge cemetery was chosen and given by Alexander Johnson, 



ITISTOKY OF SEYMOUK. 39 

son of Tiniotliy. This early Imryiiiir liTomul of ITdS is now in tiic womh and 
overuTown with bnshcs and entirely nciiieeted. The last hiirial in it was tliat 
of a nmlatto by the name of iShuliael, son of Pero, a i)iire-l)h»o(le(l African. 
When it was proposed to bury the remains of Slmbaei in the IMnesbridi^e 
jrround, Mr. Alexatuler Johnson forbade it, and so they took them to the 
iironml in the woods. The gravestones of lienajah flohnson and Sarah his 
wife were placed by their son Isaac, and are still standing. 

Timothy .Johnson and Abigail Drewster, sister of Sarah (IJrewster) Haw- 
kins, were married Feb. L'lst, ITlT). Their honse was a little way below iMnes- 
bridge, ata crossing-place on the Naugatuck, where a grandson, Flijah, xlied in 
1847, aged 75. They were much annoyed by wild aninuils, especially by 
bears, which came down from Rock Ivimmon and destroyed their crops, and by 
snakes which seemed to have a common rendezvous in that vicinity. After a 
while they went back to Derby, where they lived several years and then re- 
turned. They were both buried in the old burying ground in Derby. They 
had but one child, Alexander, who was born in 17.')(>, and died in Se])tember, 
1817, aged 87. The children of (■!ai)t. Alexander and Hannah Johnson were 
Timothy, born Jan. 21st, 1 70<», died Jan. 21st, 1830; David, Elijah, Nathaniel, 
Charles; Peter, born Oct. Dth, 1781; Alexander, born Feb. 22d, 1780; and 
Abigail Brewster, who nnirried Moses Clark of Nyunii)hs. 

Capt. James Wheeler of Derby, living in the section known as Turkey 
Hill, married Sarah Higgs, and had three daughters and seven sous — Samuel, 
Moses, John W., David, James, Josejjh and Simeon. Capt. James Wheeler 
died in 1708. Samuel built the tirst house in Nyumplis, the eastern part of 
the town of Beacon Falls, and around him settled his brothers, Moses, David 
and James. Simeon built on Kinnnon and had two sons, Nathan and Timo- 
thy, and a daughter who married BradtV»rd Steele of Humphreysville. Sam- 
uel Wheeler was the father of Judge Abel Wlieeler of Oxford, who built and 
lived in the house now occupied by S. P. Sauford. John \V. Wheeler was 
the tather of Mr. John Todd Wheeler, who recently diiul in Seymour at a 
great age. He was born at the house of his uncle, James Wheeler, which 
stood north of the woolen factory. Simeon's large two-story house stood oppo- 
site the auger factory north of the covered bridge. 

What is called Lopus was tirst settled by Zadoc Sanford and Hezekiah 
Clark, grandfather of Sluddon Clark, about the year 1700. He and his 
brother David lost their lives in the Kevolutionary war. 

The dead were buried in Derby till about one hundred and ten years ago, 
when a few were interred in the burying ground opposite^ Rock Ilinnuon. The 
princii)al mode of carrying the dead to Derby was on a horse litter, which was 
extemiiorized as follows : Two horses with saddles were placed with their 
heads in the same direction, one forward of the other about seven or eight 
feet, and a long, stout linen bag turned or loojjed up at each eiul was put over 
each saddle to receive the ends of two long, smooth and strong poles, one on 
each side of the horses, and two or three cross pieces were put on the poles 
b(!tween the horses. On this littter the coffin was placed lengthwise, and 
fastened to the cross pieces by cords. As the horses moved on, the bearers 
walked on each side and steadied the eoffin. The mourners and their neigh- 
bors followed on foot and on horsel)ack. The roads in those; days were narrow 
and rough. When the distance from the house to the burying ground was 
not more than two or three miles, the coffin, placed on a biw, was usually 
borne on the shoulders of bearers, four and four. The coffin was often made 
of whitewood boards and colored with lamp black, but the most costly were 
made of cherry. 



40 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

Tliore were three principal ways to go from Derby to Waterbnry in those 
okl times. One way was on the east side of the Naugatnck by the liouse of 
Benajah Johnson and his son Isaac, on Skokorat, then up over Beacon Hill to 
Salem, &c. A second way was along the banks of the Naugatuck, crossing 
the stream sixteen times. This was often the way in summer, when the 
stream was low. A third way was over Great Hill, Rock'us (Rock-house) 
Hill, Quaker Farms, &c. When a man and his wife or daughter made the 
journey to Waterbury she rode behind him on a pillion. 

Tli(3 road across Great Hill was laid out previous to 1745, as appears inci- 
dentally in the following extract from the records : 

To all whom if maij concern, know ye, flint we, the suhscrihcrs hereunto, at the desire of 
the selectmen of Derhey, ivere by the civil authority in Milfnrd appointed and sworn to affix 
and sett uj) bounds between a certain Myhioay within tlie tjitnnds of Derbey aforesaid, on a 
jyhice called the Great Hill, the land on the Northward side of the Highway claimed by Copt. 
tSani'l Bassitt on the rights of Saml. Hawley of Strafford, and on the Southward side of said 
highway claimed by Samuel Tomlinson, Abraham Wooster and Jonathan Lum. According 
to sd. appointment we on the second day of instant May did go upon the land, and consider- 
ing the records and hearing the witnesses there present, set up, affix and renew the bounds on 
each side of sd. highway, and a heap of stones at the South west corner of said Bassitt's lying 
within the fence, and a heap of stones lying at the root of a great chestnut-tree that is blown 
down at the Southeast corner of said Bassitt's Claim, are the true oriqinal corners of Sd. 
Hawlefs piece of land as laid out by a Committee December 21, 1698, and that a straight 
line from said Corners is the northward side of the Highway. And four rods Southward 
from said heap of stones at the root of said Chestnut tree there is a heap of stones at the root 
of a black oak tree in Sd. Jonathan Luni's fence, and another heap of stones by Woodbury 
road four rods Southward from a heap of stones at the corner of Sd. Bassitt's land, lying 
near to the corner of Sd. Tomlinsonh land that tvas formerally Silvester Wooster's, and a 
straight line from said corners is the Southward side of said Highway. Done by us, Derbey, 
May 2d, 1745. 

Natiianel Fairchild, ) 
Nathan Baldwin, > Freeholders. 
Entered July the 1st, A. D., 1745, Thomas Clarke, ) 

By me, Charles French, Regtr. 

Joseph Mauwehu, or Chuse, about 1720, was presented by his father with 
a tract of laud " near the ftiUs of the Naugatuc," where a little band of In- 
dians gathered around and recognized him as their chief. At first there were 
but two or three white families in the vicinity, but the number soon increased. 
Joe received the name Chuse from his manner of pronouncing choose, and 
from this the place was called Chusetown for more than fifty years. Chuse 
was a skillful hunter and captured not only small game, but occasionally a 
deer, wild turkey or bear. Finally the little tribe became scattered, and in 
1763 Chuse and Houde sold a part of their land to Ebenezer Keeney, John 
Wooster and Joseph Hull, Jr. The following is a copy of the deed : 

Know all men by these presents that ive, Joseph Chuse, John Houde, Indians of Derbey, 
in the County of New Haven, and Colony of Connecticut in New England, with the advice of 
Samuel Baset, Esqr, Agent for the said Indians, according to the Allowance and Liberty 
Given to Ebenezer Keeney, John Wooster cf Joseph Hull, Jr. of Derby in the county and 
colony aforesaid hy the general assembly of the Colony of Connecticut on the first Thursday of 
Mag, A. D. 1760, cf tve the said Joseph Chuse, John Houde, Indians aforesd — with the 
Liberty and advice aforesd — do quit-claim and make over and confirm unto the said Ebene- 
zer Keeney, John B'^ooster f Joseph Hull, Jnr.,for the consideration of Eight Pounds Lawfull 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 41 

money to i/s paid hy the said Ebenezer Keeney, John Wooster tf Joseph Hull, Jr., which 
18 to our full satis/action, and we the said Joseph Chuse ij- John Houde do by these Presents 
Quitclaim, make over and Confirvi to them the sd Ebenezer Keeney, John Wooster and Joseph 
Hull, Jr., a Certaine Farcell of Land Lying in sd Derby at the Falls, so called, Bounded as 
followeth, beginning at a heap of stones near the foot of the Great Bridge which is the original 
corner of the Falls Land, and run east four rods to « heap of stones on the edge of the hill 
by a walnut tree, then run north 46 degs. west eleven rods to a heap of stones on the edge of a 
knole, then West 14 Degs. north fourteen rods to a heap of stones four rods from the bank of 
the river, then run north 34 Degs. west fifteen rods to a heap of stones on (he top of the high 
bank, then run west 45 Degs. north to a heap of stones by the river eighteen rods, and then its 
bounded southerly and weMerly around to the first mentioned bounds near (he foot of the 
Bridge all the way on the river, taking in the falls Bocks, Containing one acre againat tlie 
falls and one acre and a half of land for highway to the said acre, with all the prevelidges 
and appurtenances belonging to said falls and land, and we (he said Joseph Chuse, John 
Houde, Indians, as aforesaid do by tliese presents quitclaim, release and relinquish and make 
wer to them, the said Ebenezer Keeney, John Wooster and Joseph Hull, Jr., and to their 
heirs and assigns forever %vithout any molestation given by us or by our heirs or assigns. In 
Confirmation of the premises ive have hereunto set our Hands and Seals this forth day of 
October, A. D., 1763. 

Signed, Sealed and delivered 

in presence of JOSEPH CHUSE 

CHARLES FRENCH, 

JOHN HOLBBOOK, jqhN HOUDE 



Derby, in the County of New Haven, on the day and date above said personally ap- 
peared Joseph Chuse and John Houde, signers and sealers to the above instrument and ac- 
knowledged the said instrument to be tlieirfree act and deed. 

Before me, CHARLES FRENCH, Justice of the Peace. 

It appears however, that some Indians remained in the vicinity long 
after this, as at a town meeting held Mar. 8, 1780, "Capt. Bradford Steel and 
Mr. Gideon Johnson were appointed a committee with full power to take 
care of the Indian Lands in Derby, and let out the same to the best advan- 
tage for the support of said Indians and to take care that there be no waste 
made on said land, and to render an account of their doings to said town of 
Derby." 

Francis French, one of the original grantees of Derby, when it was set 
apart from the Milford plantation, came over in the ship "Defence" in 1635, 
being then but ten years of age. Savage, in his Dictionary of First Settlers 
of New England, says he came over with William, his * * * uncle, who 
settled at Cambridge, Mass. The English records of emigration of about 
that time record the departure of one Francis French, aged ten years, and 
his mother. This Francis French was one of the selectmen of the town in 
1066, when the usual pay of town officials for their services was 2s. 6d. per 
day. His son Francis, born Feb. 11, 1677, was the father of Israel French, 
who built his house where now stands the house of William (iilyard, on Sko- 
corat, in 1740, and so was a near neighbor of Benajah Johnson. This Israel 
French mamed Sarah Loveland Sept. 11, 1739. He was elected a Surveyor 
of Highway at a town meeting held Dec. 10th, 1764, and held the office 
several years. As the highway to Derby was then little better than a forest 
path, the office was probably no sinecure. His oldest son, David, born in 
1741, lived in Bethany, then a parish of Woodbridge. He was familiarly 
known as King David, and the records mention him as a laud holder of 
Nyumphs in 1766, and years afterward as prominent among the early Metho- 
dists. He died Aug. 4, 1821, aged 80 years. Another son of this pioneer. 



42 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Israel, was Charles, born Dec. 19, 1765, who was the father of Raymond 
French, Esq. Charles, brother of Israel French, was town clerk of Derby 
thirty-four years. The family were remarkable for their tenacious memories. 
It was said of Israel that after once hearing a sermon he could repeat it from 
memory with but little varation. 

Richard Baldwin, one of the original grantees of the town of Derby, 
was a native of England, baptized there in 1622, and came over with his 
father Sylvanus on board ship Martin. Sylvanus was the son of Sylvester, 
from parish Ashton, Clinton, Bucks Co., Eng., who died in 1638 on ship 
Martin. Richard bought land Oct. 10th, 1669, in the south part of Derby, 
of Ockemunge, (written also Okenuch and Okenug,) "sole sachem of Pau- 
gussett," Chupps and Nehawkumme. 

He was selected by the General Court as "Moderator of the new settle- 
ment of Paugussett, and he was one of the committee appointed on the part 
of the New Haven colony to effect the union with the Connecticut colony. 
Barnabas, son of Richard, was born in 1665. About six hundi-ed acres in the 
south-west part of Woodbridge, which had been purchased of an Indian chief 
by his father, was conveyed to him by his brothers and sisters, and is largely 
in the possession of his descendants to the present day. He died in 1741. His 
son Timothy was bom in 1695 and died in 1766. Capt. Timothy, son of the 
above mentioned, was born Dec. 13, 1722, in what was then Milford, near the 
Derby line, afterwards Woodbridge. Jan. 15, 1744, he was mairied to Sarah 
Beecher, who died in 1794. He was in 1779 one of the committee to facilitate 
the arrangements to strengthen the patriot army. He lived in what is now 
Seymour, and in 1789 was the first signer of the petition for the establishment 
of the first religious society formed in this place. See page 17. He had a slave 
Peter, baptized Dec. 23rd, 1790. He died Dec. 22, 1800. His children were 
Sarah, b. Apr. 11, 1746, m. Simeon Wheeler of Derby, Oct. 10, 1764: 
Timothy, b. 1749, lived in Derby, d. Aug. 30, 1822: Thaddeus, b. June 22, 
1751: Anne, b. Feb. 24, 1757, m. Edmund Clark of Derby. 

Occasionally the records of public proceedings seem to indicate a large 
proportion of the public men as residing in this part of old Derby. At the 
town meeting held Dec. 10, 1764, Daniel Holbrook was chosen moderator ; 
Charles French, town clerk ; Ashbel Loveland and Abiel Fairchild, grand 
jurors ; John Howd, one of the tything men ; and John Washband, surveyor 
of highways. In 1765, (Dec. 9th,) Daniel Holbrook is again mentioned as 
moderator of the town meeting, and Gideon and Nathaniel Johnson and John 
Basit were chosen surveyors of highway. Daniel Holbrook lived on Skocorat. 

The practice of allowing cattle and swine to run at large on the common 
lands made necessary some method of marking, and each proprietor had his 
"earmark" duly recorded. Dr. Josiah Canfield's earmark was a swallow fork 
in the end of the left ear. (Entered Mar. 27, 1769.) Jonathan Miles' earmark 
was a swallow fork in each ear and a half penny cut in the upper side of the 
right ear. (Entered May 9, 1766.) 



seymour axd ticinity. 43 

ox:fopm>. 

As an adjoining town, carved, like Sevmonr, from what was once Derby, 
and whose boundary line has been changed from time to time, so as to include 
more or less of what is now Sevmour. some account of the earlv history of 
Oxford may properly be inserted here. The first petition looking to the setting 
apart of Oxford as a separate parish was made to the General Assembly in 
May. 1740. A committee was appointed to investigate the case, and in May, 
1741, the petition was granted in the following words: 

"Whereas upon the memorial of Timothy Worster, John Twitchel and 
John Towner. »S:c.. dwelling in the north and nonhwest pan of the township 
of Derby. Isaac Trowbridge. John Weed, Jonas Weed. Joseph Weed, Thomas 
and Joseph Osbom. dwelling in the southwest part of Waterbury woods, in 
the old society in said Waterbury. and Isaac Knowles. Joseph Towner, 
Eliphalet Bristol. John Tift and Aaron Bristol, dwelling in the southeast part 
of the township of Woodberry woods in the parish of Southbeny. moving to 
the General Ajssembly holden at Hartford. May. anno Dom. 1740, that they 
might become one entire, distinct ecclesiastical society, and praying for a 
committee. &c.: the said General Assembly did appoint a committee, who 
ac<'ordingly making their repon to the General Assembly at ^ew Haven in 
October last, and the same not being accepted; and the said General Assembly 
in October last appointing another committee, Colo. Benjamin Hall. Capt. 
Isaac Dickerman and Capt. John Fowler, to view and repon, &c.: And 
whereas the said last mentioned comminee have to this Assembly made their re- 
pon, that according to the direction of said Assembly they have repaired to 
the abovesaid places. &c.. and find and are of opinion, that it is necessary and 
best that the said inhabitants be made a distinct, separate ecclesiatical society, 
and that their bounds and limits be as foUoweth : Beginning at the mouth of 
the four mile brook in Derby bounds, where the brook emptieth itself into the 
great river, and to run as said brook runneth by said brook unto the bridge 
that is between the dwelling houses of Abel Gun and John Holbrook; and 
from said bridge by the highway that runneth between the land commonly 
called the Camp's Mongage and the land called Quakers Farm Purchase, unto 
the river called the Linle river: and thence as the Linle river runneth to Xau- 
gatuck river; and thence northerly, by said ^augatuck river, that being the east 
bounds of said society, until it comes to the dividing line between the towns of 
Derby and Waterbury; thence turning westerly and running as the line runneth 
between the towns of Derby and Waterbury, as aforesaid, imtil it comes to the 
southeasterly boundary of Thomas and Joseph Osbom's fanu in the bounds of 
Derby; and from thence to nm nonherlyto the nonheast comer botmdaryof Jos. 
Weed's farm in Waterbun- town bounds; and from thence a northwesterly line 
to the nonheast comer boundary of Isaac Trowbridge's fann in said Waterbury 
town bounds; and from thence to run westerly, in the line of said Trowbridge's 
farm, about sixty rods, to Woodl>erry town line; and thence to the nonhwest 
corner of Isaac Knowles's fanu in tlie township of Woodberry ; and from the 
northwest comer of said Knowles's farm a west line to the eight mile brook 
in the bounds of Woodberry ; and then by the said brook, until it comes to 
the dividing line between the towns of Woodberry and Derby; and thence 
to run westerly in the line that divideth between the said towns of Woodbeny- 
and Derby, unto the great river; thence by the river southerly to the first 
mentioned boimdary, the mouth of four mile brook; as by said report on file, 
dated Mav the 7th. anno Dom. 1741.~ 



44 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

"Jf is thereupon resolved hy this Assembly, That the above said memori- 
alists, inhabitants of Derby, Waterbury and Woodberry, situate and living 
within the bounds and limits above described, be and become together one 
entire, separate and distinct ecclesiastical society or parish, subsisting and 
known by the name of the parish of Oxford, and endowed with all powers 
and privileges wherewith other parishes within this government are by law 
endowed." 

The members of the "Society of Oxford," as they termed themselves, 
met for the first time and organized June 30, 1841. On the 6th of October, 
1741, in meeting lawfully warned, it was voted, "by a two-thirds part of the 
inhabitants by law qualified to vote and present in meeting, to build a meet- 
ing house, and to meet the assembly in their next session at New Haven, to 
pray for a commission to appoint, order and fix the place whereon their meet- 
ing house shall be erected and built." Mr. Ebenezer Riggs was appointed 
agent to the General Assembly. The following is the order of the Assembly: 

"Upon the report of Capt. Isaac Dickennan, Mr. James Talmadge 
and Mr. John Hitchcock, appointed by this Assembly to affix the place 
for the inhabitants of the parish of Oxford to build their meeting house 
upon, &c., the said committee having viewed their circumstances, and have 
set down a stake and laid stones to the same, at the south end of the hill, 
commonly called Jack's Hill, and near the highway that runs on the east 
side the Little river, on land belonging to Ephraim Washbourn, which said 
place the said committee report to be the most convenient place for the said 
inhabitants to build a meeting house upon : Resolved by this Assembly, that 
the abovesaid place be the place for the said inhabitants to build their meeting 
house upon ; and the said inhabitants are hereby ordered to build a meeting 
house at the said place accordingly." 

In May, 1743, "upon the prayer of Isaac Trowbridge, of Oxford parish, 
in behalf of liimself and the rest of the inhabitants of said parish, pray- 
ing this Assembly that they may be allowed to imbody into a church 
estate and be impowered and enabled to settle a minister according to the 
establishment of the churches in this government, &c.: Whereupon it is 
granted by this Assembly, that the said parish of Oxford, by and wiih the 
consent and approbation of the neighbouring churches, may imbody into 
church estate, and are hereby allowed and impowered to proceed to and settle 
a minister according to the establishment of the churches in this government." 

Rev. Johnathan Lyman was ordained minister of the parish Oct. 4, 1745, 
and received a settlemeut of £500, to be paid in four yearly installments, and 
a salary of £125 per year. The next minister was Rev. David Bronson, from 
Milford, called Mar. 3rd, 1764, with a settlement of £200 and a salary of £60. 
He served the parish forty years, dying in 1806. 

The Episcopal parish of St. Peter's was organized in 1764 by Rev. 
Richard Mansfield, the rector of the Derby church. The first settled clergy- 
man of this parish was Rev. Mr. Prindle. 

Although a separate parish since 1741, Oxford was not incorporated as a 
town until 1798. Father mention will be made in connection with contem- 
porary events. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 45 



Tlie I*eriocl of the I^e volution. 



The hardy pioneers who had made their homes among these hills and 
vales, of good old English stock, and, in part, descendants of the puritans who 
came over in the Mayflower, had grown stronger in their love of freedom, and 
were prompt to second the resistance to the encroachments upon their liberty. 
^Meetings were held and arrangements made to send men, provisions and 
clothing, to the extent of their ability, to the patriot army. Of necessity the 
business was done in town meetings, but the records show that those living in 
this section did their duty nobly. 

As early as Nov. 29th, 1774, a special town meeting was called to con- 
sider "the doings of the Reputable Continental Congress held at Philadelphia, 
Sept. 5'^ 1774," Daniel Holbrook, moderator. They agreed that the proposal 
of Congress was "a wise and judicious plan," and resolved that they would 
"faithfully adhere to and abide by the association entered into by said Con- 
gress." The meeting also voted as follows: "That the Gentlemen hereatter 
named be a Committee to see the same earned into execution, viz : Capt. 
John Holbrook, M^ Henry Tomlinson, Maj. Jabez Thompson, M"" John Pickit, 
Cap^ Thomas Clark, M'' Abraham Smith, Henry Whitney, Cap"^ Joseph Riggs, 
Lieu^ Bradford Steel & Lieu* Ebenezer Buckingham. In case a county Con- 
gress should be agreed upon in this county, then the aforesaid committee shall 
chuse and appoint two out of their number to attend such congress. Again 
the town have taken into their consideration the needy & distressed circum- 
stances of the poor of the Town Boston, by the operation of a late act of Par- 
liament blocking up their Harbour, this Town is opinion that it is necessary 
and their duty to contribute for their help." 

In 1777 all male citizens of lawful age were required to take an oath of 
ftdelity. Among those who took this oath appear the following familiar names. 
Rev. Daniel Humphrey, Charles French, Esq"", John Davis, Esq'", Thomas 
Clark, Esq"", Cap* John Holbrook,* Agur Tomlinson, Joseph Durand, Benja- 
min Tomlinson, Cap* Joseph Riggs, Abraham Basit, David DeForest, Philo 
Johnson, John Coe, Daniel Chatfleld, Ruben Baldwin, Gideon Johnson, Nathan 
Mansfield, Bradford Steel, P^leuzer Lewis,* Ebenezer Keeney, Henry Tomlin- 
son,* Turel NVhittemore, Abraham Beacher, Enos Bradley, Johnathan Hitch- 
cock, Noah French, Nathaniel French, Samuel French, John Howd, David 
Johnson, Deacon Daniel Holbrook, Jn'', Cap* Nathaniel Johnson, Abraham 
Hawkins, Isaac Smith, Cap* John Tomlinson, Cap* William Clark, John 
Botchford, Ashbel Loveland, Asahel Johnson, Cap* Joseph Lum, Joseph 
Loveland, Jehiel Spencer, Ebenezer Johnson, Samuel Russell, Zachariah 
Fairchild, Frcoirift Hawkins, I'^dward Howd, Joseph Canficld, Silas Baldwin, 



46 SEYMOUR AXD VICINITY. 

Abijali Hull, Lewis Hubbell, Pliilo Holbrook, Eleazer VVooster. (*Specifiot] 
in records as living on Great Hill.) 

At a town meeting held Feb. 10"', 1777, the following action was taken: 

^'Whereas the General Assembly of this state at their sessions at Middle - 
town on the 18*'' day of December last past, by an act did regulate the prices 
of a number of articles in s'^ act enumerated ; and whereas it appears to this 
town that it is of the utmost consequence to the Community in general and 
to this town in particular that said act should be innnediately carried into 
execution Voted therefore that this town will by every legal measure en- 
deavour to have the directions of said act strictly complyed with, this town 
being fully sensible that it is the duty of every friend to liis country to sell &r 
dispose of the articles enumerated in the act of assembly hxing the price of 
labour, provisions, &c., at the prices at which they are therein statinl. Therefore, 

Voted, that those of us who have any of them beyond what we Avant for 
our own consumption will readily and cheerfully sell them either for money 
or produce at the price in said act stated : and that we will esteem all persons 
who shall not do the same, enemies to their country, and treat them accord- 
ingly : Provided such pei'son is properly convicted thereof before the Com- 
mittee of Inspection of this Town : whom we impower to take cognizance of 
such offense." 

That those who were serving their country on the field of battle were pro- 
vided for by those who remained at home, as far as their means would permit, 
is shown by frequent votes of supplies and appointment of special committees 
to see that the supplies were furnished. On the 8th of Dec, 1777, John Coe, 
David DeForest and Cap"^ Thomas Clark were appointed such a committee. 
In Dec, 1778, Sam' Hull, David DeForest, Abraham Beecher, Cap* John 
Tomlinson, Cap* Timothy Baldwin, Cap* John Biggs, Lieu* Samuel AVheler, 
Sam' Basit, Dan' Holbrook, Jun'', ( -ap' .losepli Biggs, Ruben Tucker, Cap* 
Nathaniel Johnson, Jos Russell, Noah Tomliusou, Thonuis Clark, Esq"", John 
Howd, ( 'ap* John Holbrook, Edward Howd, Thadeus Baldwin unci others 
were appointed a committee to provide clothing for the soldiers. 

At a town meeting held Dec. 28th, 1778, it was voted to "give to each 
soldier in the Continental Army that counts for the town of Derby Ten Pounds 
money each in lew of the linnin overhawls, linnin shirts, and shoes that was 
voted to them last year as a bounty," and a town tax was laid of one sliilling 
nine pence on the pound. Ensign John Hum])hrey Avas appointed to receive 
the money and to pay it to the soldiers. 

Notwithstanding the excitement caused by the war and the heavy taxes 
upon the resources of the people, the schools were not forgotten, as the fol- 
lowing documents show. The first seems to define a district in the western 
part of what is now Beacon Falls. The petition was granted in a town 
meeting Dec. loth, 1779. 

"Considering the distance that a considerable number of the inhabitants 
of the 4*'' &r 5*'' districts live from the center of said districts and the incon- 
A'enience it is attended with, we therefore Avhose names are under written, 
desire to be set ott" to be an entire District. Signed and approved by us, 
Joseph Davis, Abraham Basit, Sam' Smith, fir., David Person, John Davis, 
John Church, Isaac Beecher, Abraham lU'ccliev, Lbeuezer Riggs, John 
Riggs, Bradford Steel, Committee, liegiiiuiug at the Stone Bridge at the 
lower end of Mr. Abraham Basit's Ijittle ri\('r meadow, from thence running- 
East to the top of the hill South of said liasit's, then running north with the 
high-Avay to Capt. Joseph Davis' including said Capt Davis, and from thence 
runnina," East to the hiali wav that runs west of Toi)ev''s rock, then runninu- 



SKVMOUK AND VICINITY. 47 

north to the head of the bouutls between Derby &.- Waterbnrv, iueludiiiii- M'"^ 
^^bigail Gunn's farm, tlien runnini; "West witli the line to AV'aterbury road, 
then running South with the road down to JMr. Miles' barn, then running- 
West to Touantick brook, then running South with the brook to the bridge 
over said lirook Southeast of David Twitclud's, and from thence southerly 
down to the road to the tirst mentioned bounds, includiui;- widow Kuth 
Bunnell." 

The following seems to describe what now constitutes the sub-districts of 
Shrub Oak and Bungav, Sevniour. Petition uranted in a town meeting 
Dec. 27th, 1771>. 

''We the Subscribers whose names are underwritten desire the town of 
Derby would permit us to be formed into a school district, to take in part of 
the north district in the old societ}-, and part of the Great Hill, and part of 
the Eimmon District, bounded as followetli, beginning at the mouth of 
Hassekee meadow brook, rimning northerly by Naugatuck river till it comes 
to the upper end of Long Plain, so called, then running westerly to the north 
side of the Park, then running southerly to the west side of John Botchford's 
farm, then running southerly to jMr. Joseph Canlield's barn, then running 
southerly to the highway twenty rods north of Neheyiiah ljotchford''s house, 
then running with the highway to Hassekee meadow brook, then running by 
said brook to the iirst mentioned corner." 

Bradford Steel, Eunis Pritchard, Abra'" Wooster, 

Ashbel Steel, James Pritchard, Jr., Daniel Davis, 

Hezekiah Woodin, Samuel AVooster, Benj" Davis, 

Puben Perkins, William Gordin, Eben"' Keeney, 

Panford Whitney, John Botchford, Wm. Keeney, 

Lowis Eigg's, Edward Harger, Theo"** Miles, 

John Wooster, Josiah Washband, Jona" INliles. 

John Riggs, | Committee 

John Tomlinson, i ^«»"«'"^^' 

The following is fi-om the minutes of a town meeting held Mar. 8th, 1780. 
•'The town by their voate appoint Capt. Bradford Steel and Mr. Gideon John- 
son a committe with full power to take care of the Indians' Lands in Derby, 
and let out the same to the best advantage for the support of said Indians, and 
to take care that there be no wast made on said land, and to render an ac- 
count of their doings to said town of Derby." At the same meeting it was 
"voted that Abraham Hawkins, James Beard, Esq., Mr. John Humphrey, 
Capt. Nathan Person, Mr. Noah Tomlinson, Major Nathan Smith, David 
Tomlinson, Lieut. Levi Hotchkiss, Walter Wooster and Ebenezer Warner be 
a committee to assist the officers of the several companies in the town of 
Derby in raising their quota of men that shall be requested in this town for 
the continental and state service, at the expense of the town, with discretion- 
ary orders to give such premiums as said com"'' in their wisdom shall judge 
reasonable." 

At a town meeting held June l'7tli, 1780, a rate of sixpence was voted 
"to pay the bovmtv to tin; Contenental soldiers and to defray town charges," 
and Capt. John Biggs, (\ipt. Daniel Holbrook and Capt. Bradford Stetd were 
"appointed a com"'' to enlist contenental soldiers and to pay them their 
bounty." 

It was also voted "that the town shall give each man that shall enlist 
himself as a soldier into the Contenental army during the war shall receive of 
the town as a l)ounty the sum of JL'UO, to be paid in bills of credit of this state 



48 SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 

at the time the muster, and £20 pounds at the commencement of the second 
year of their service, and twenty pounds at the commencement of the 3'' 
year of their service. And all such as shall list for three years into the 
contenental army shall receive in bills of credit of this state 120 at the time 
of passing nmster, & £15 at the commencement of the 2""^ year of their 
service, and £10 at the commencement of the 3*^ year of their service. 
And also all such persons as have or shall enlist into the contenental service 
for one year and seven months from the date of these presents shall receive 
£10 at passing muster, and £5 at the commencement of the 2"'^ campaign. 

By a vote at a town meeting held Nov. 13, 1780, it was provided that 
two shirts, two pair stockings, one pair shoes, and 1 pair mittens should be 
sent to each soldier. 

In accordance with an act of the Assembly for collecting and storing a 
quantity of provisions, in the winter of 1780-81, the following prices were 
allowed for produce received as taxes, in lieu of money; beef of the best 
quality 5p. per pound, merchantable 4Ap., pork 5 and 6p. per pouud, wheat 
flour 24p. per hundred. 

In Nov., 1780, "Johnathan Hitchcock, Capt. Tho* Clark, John Howd, 
Cap* John Tomliuson, M'' Johnathan Lum, Jn^', and Lieu* John Basit were 
appointed a committee to class the people agreeable to a late act of Assembly 
for filling up & compleating the state's Quotas of the Contenental Army," and 
measures were taken to provide clothing for those already in the field. At a 
town meeting held Dec. 11th, 1780, the following committee was appointed 
to take care of the soldiers' families; Peter Johnson, Joseph Eussell, Thadeus 
Baldwin, Daniel Holbrook, Isaac Smith, Benj. Basit, Jabez Thompson, 
Christopher Smith, Andrew Smith, Johnathan Lum, Jn^, John Basit, Josiah 
Strong, Robert Wheler, Isaac Beecher, Ebenezer Johnson, Abiel Fairchild, 
Jn"" and Noah Tomlinson. 

Emancipation. At the same meeting it was "Voted that the authority 
and selectmen be impowered and directed to give certificates to Capt. Daniel 
Holbrook and Capt. John Wooster to free and emancipate their servants, Negro 
men, on the condition that the said negro men inlist into the State Rig* to be 
raised for the defense of this state, for the town, one year." At a town meet- 
ing held in 1781 it was voted that the selectmen give to the ReV* David 
Humphreys a certificate or liberty to manumit his servants, Cambridge and 
Cate his wife. 

In April, 1781, the town was called on for men for the post of Horseneck, 
and the selectmen were empowered to provide horses and accoutrements for 
the service. 

In March, 1782, some who had been called on for service in the army 
were released on payment of Fifty pounds and the required number of soldiers 
for one year were obtained by the offer of bounties. A tax of two pence on 
the pouud was laid to pay the bounties. George Beard was chosen collector 
for the Great Hill Society, and with Micah Pool was to be a committee to 
enlist the number of soldiers required. Cap* Nathaniel Johnson was ap- 
pointed collector for the old Society and with Cap* Daniel Holbrook consti- 
tuted the committee of enlistment. Abraham Beecher was appointed collect- 
or in Oxford Society and Cap* Ebenezer Riggs was associated with him as 
enlistiug committee. At a later meeting Ebenezer Plant was appointed to 
assist in the Oxford Society. There were, here as elsewhere throughout the 
colonies, some who believed that they owed first and indissoluble allegiance 
to King George III. Except these "loyalists," those who could best leave 
home had freelv volunteered earlv in the contest, and now tliose who re- 




GEN. DAVID HUMPHREYS. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 49 

mained, as freely contributed of tlieir scanty means to fill the quota needed 
to secure the final victory. 

The names of those who sensed their country on the field of battle are 
not all now to be found, but so many as can be gleaned from old manuscripts 
and records are given below. 

Gen. David Humphreys^ son of Rev. Daniel Ilumphrovs, was bom in 
Derby in 1752. As a boy he was passionately fond of books, and in 17G7 he 
entered college at the early age of fifteen, graduating with distinguished honor. 
During his college course he eanied the title of "the young bard of Yale." 
As a poet he graced the progress of freedom and the patlnvays of liberty with 
the flowers of his pen, and in this way helped to fire the hearts of patriots and 
hasten the growth of that public opinion which culminated in the establishment 
of our republic. After a short residence in New York he returned to New 
Haven county, and before joining the army in 1778, he wrote many poetic 
effusions, one of which was addressed to his friends in Yale College, of which 
the following lines are a specimen. 

"Adieu, then, Yale! where youthful poets dwell. 
No more 1 linger by thy classic stream — 
Inglorious ease and sportive songs, Farewell! 
Thou startling clarion, break the sleeper's dream." 

He entered the army as captain and in 1778 had been promoted as aid 
to Gen. Putnam with the rank of Major. Two years later he was apjiointed 
aid to General Washington, which position he retained during the war, enjoy- 
ing the full confidence of the Commander-in-chief, and sharing his toil and 
danger. When the army of Cornwallis laid down their arms at Yorktown, 
Oct. 19th, 1781, Humphreys had the honor to receive the English colors and 
as a mark of approbation was dispatched to Congress "with copies of the returns 
of prisoners, arms, ordnance, etc., and twenty -five stands of colors, sm-rendered," 
with a letter from Washington warmly commending Col. Humphreys to the 
thanks and consideration of the government for his valor, fidelity and signal 
services. In November following he was voted an elegant sword in the "name 
of the United States in Congress assembled," and in 1780 it was presented by 
Gen. Knox, then Secretary of War, with imposing ceremonies. Congn^ss 
also commissioned him Lieut. Colonel, dating back his commission to his aj)- 
pointment as aid to Washington. In 1784 he embarked for France in company 
with the brave but unfortunate Kosciusko; having on the appointment of 
Mr. Jefterson as ambassador to France, been appointed Secretary of Legation. 
In 1786 he returned to America and revisited the scenes of his youth. 

Soon after his return, he was elected by his fellow citizens to be their 
representative in the legislature of the State, and continued to be elected fur 
two years, when he was appointed to the command of a regiment raised for 
the western service. During the jjcriod that he held his ottice, he remained 
most of the time in Hartford; and, with Hoi)kins, Barlow and Trumbull, as- 
sisted in the publication of the Anarchiad. On the reduction of his regiment, 
he repaired to Mount Vernon, and continued with Gen. Washington until 
1790, when he received the appointment of Minister to the court of Tortugal, 
where he resided seven years. He was then appointed Minister to Spain, in 
which position he continued until 1802. He married a Spanish lady and thus 
added to his influence and rendered easier a project he had formed for the 
benefit of his native land. Knowing the superiority of Spanish wool, he planned 
to export some of the unrivalled JVLnino sheep to the United States, and in 
this he succeeded, though at great risk and cost, inasmuch as the Spanish laws 
forbade the exportation by stringent laws. He ol)tained permission to purchase 



50 SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 

four hundred Merinos in the mountain pastures of Estremadura and employing 
shepherds, drove them to the coast by night, remaining secreted by day. 
During this trip and the voyage to America the number was rapidly reduced, 
so that when landed at Derby dock they numbered only about one hundred. 
This was the first importation of Merino sheep into the United States. Gen. 
Humphreys then erected the first woolen factory in the United States in the 
village which took his name — Humphreysville — and in connection with which 
the labor of his later years will be spoken of at length. 

Gapt. Elenezer Dayton was one of the brave privateersmen of the Sound, 
who annoyed the transports and boats of the tories and the British admiral 
offered a large bounty for his head and that of Caleb Brewster, his cousin. Fear- 
ing to leave his family at their home in Brookhaven, L. I., he brought them 
across the Sound to Milford. After remaining there a while, as a further precau- 
tion, he removed them to Bethany hill inWoodbridge. The robbery of the house 
occupied by Mrs. Dayton at that place by a British company and a band of 
tories is well described at length by Eev. Israel Warren in the book entitled 
"Chauncey Judd." Soon after the Ee volution Capt. Dayton removed to 
Chusetown, where he opened a tavern, afterward the home for a time of Gen. 
Humphreys while he was establishing his woolen factory. Capt. Dayton, early 
seeing the advantage to his public house of a more direct communication with 
Waterbury and the towns above, set about the project of opening the Dug 
Eoad, which was finished about the beginning of the present century. Being 
of a restless disposition, he, after a while, undertook an enterprise in Louisiana, 
where he spent the latter part of his life. 

Capt. Raymond Sanford, died in March, 1805, aged 53 years. U. 

Lieut. Jabez Pritchard, who enlisted in July, 1777, under Capt. Corris, 
in the regiment of Col. Enos, was in command of the guard at Horseneck and 
afterward under the command of Major Humphreys near Fort Independence. 
In the conflict which occurred there, Lieut. Pritchard, with others, was taken 
prisoner and confined, first at King's Bridge, then in New York, and afterward 
on a prison-ship in the North Eiver. His commission wt.s taken fi'om him 
by his inhuman captors and he was so ill treated that — like most of the other 
prisoners on that infamous ship — he survived but a short time. His generous 
character may be inferred from the fact that he might have escaped being 
taken prisoner but that he would not abandon a wounded comrade, and that 
he afterward divided liis funds with a fellow prisoner, to which act of liberality 
Bradford Steel ascribed his own recovery by means of the decent provision 
and comforts which he was thus enabled to purchase. 

Bradford Steel, son of Capt. Bradford Steel, born in 1761, enlisted 
July 10, 1777, at the age of sixteen, under Capt. Corris, regiment of Col. 
Enos. Tho company was at first stationed at Horseneck, but was soon after 
ordered to join a branch of the continental army under the command of Maj, 
Humphreys. They marched to Peekskill and there joined the army and 
marched to West Chester, about 2,000 strong and having two pieces of 
artillery. At the battle near Fort Independence, (General Varnum, com- 
manding officer,) Steel, with Lieut. Pritchard and others, were taken prison- 
ers. One of the number becoming deranged under his sufferings, the British 
soldiers beat him with their muskets, then tied him on a horse, took him to 
King's Bridge and threw iiira. over, leaving him with his head and shoulders 
buried in the mud. At night Steel and thirteen companions were placed in 
a small tent guarded by Hessian soldiers, and if any one pressed out the tent 
cloth he was sure to feel the prick of a bayonet. Next day they were taken 



SEY^IOUR AND VICINITY. 51 

to the Sugar House, where most of the prisoners luul notliing to eat for three 
or four days. They were then allowed four ounces each of wormy sea biscuit 
and four ounces of Irish pork daily. 

About the 1st of December they were put on board a ship in tlie North 
River. After fifteen days the small pox broke out. Steel and twenty-five 
others were taken to the hospital, where they had so little care that only four 
of the number survived. Steel saw one man with his feet so frozen that 
after a time they dropped otf at the ankles. One day while Steel was im- 
prisoned at the Sugar House, a well known tory came along and was all allow- 
ed by the guard to pass in. The prisoners seized him, dragged him to the 
pump, and the old pump handle went up and down in fine style until he Avas 
thoroughly drenched. Ue was then allowed to run, the prisoners saying 
good-bye to him with a shower of brickbats. Aug. 8, 1778, the few survivors 
received tidings that they were to be exchanged. Said Steel, "On the next 
day we were called out and paraded in the prison yard. To behold such a 
company of living skeletons, one might almost imagine that the prophecy 
concerning the diy bones had been fulfilled in us." Aug. IGth, they landed 
at Elizabethtown Point, and were marched to the meeting house where the 
exchange was effected. Steel and three others who were too much reduced 
by their sickness and sufferings to be capable of farther military service, were 
discharged and returned home. Steel recovered his health after some months 
and was for many years a highly respected citizen of Humphreysville, and 
deacon of the Congregational Society, dying Dec. 2J:, 1841, aged 80 years. 

John White, son of Daniel White, died Feb. 19th, 1830, aged 73. C. 



badly wounded. M. 

Abram Bassett, died Nov. 17th, 1853, aged 81 years. E. 

Theophilus Miles, died 1822, aged 83 years. E. 

Truman Loveland. E. 

Sergf. James Baldicin. - 

Jesse Baldicin, brother to above. 

Isaac Johnson, son of Benajah, died April 10th, 1813, aged 78. M. 

Ezra Butler, afterward lived in the house now standing in the rear of 
the house of Sheldon Tucker. 

Ball. 

Jethro Martin, colored. Gen. Humphrey's servant, died in North IFaven. 
Received a pension fi'om the government until his deatli. 

Joseph Mamvehu, (Chuse.) 



Phineas Johnson, from Pinesbridge. 

Nathaniel Johnson, from Pinesbridge, drafted, served till the close of 
the war. 

Linus Lounsbury, of Nyumphs, was a soldier in the last French War 
and in the Revolution. 

C— Buried in the Cougregational Cemetery ; ^—Episcopal Ctmetery ; J/— Mctliotlist Cemetery. 



52 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



The memorandum of Lieut. Jabez Pritcliard, who was taken prisoner 

with Bradford Steel and others, and died on board the prison ship, was brought 

home by Steel, and contains the list of guards detailed at Horseneck from 

Sept. IS*'^ to 21^*. Most of the company were probably from this immediate 

vicinity. The names are 



Gideon Ailing, 
Samuel Andress, 
Abraham Barns, 
Nathaniel Black, 
Edward Bassett, 
David Blakesley, 
Corp. Bristol, 
Corp. Candee, 
Oliver Chatfield, 
Caleb Chatfield, 
Reuben Canfield, 
Martin Clark, 
George Clark, 
Chauncey Clark, 
Amos Collins, 
Johnathan Cartright, 
Jairus Congdon, 
Joseph Deremore, 
George Dachester, 
Samuel Durand, 
Ebenezer Durand, 



Isaac Durand, 
"Vespation Eastman, 
Corp. Foot, 
Amos Fox, 
Joseph Hulse, 
Johnathan Lyman, 
James Leech, 
James Lines, 
Nathan Mallory, 
Major Morriss, 
Abraham Murray, 
Asahel Newel, 
Ensign Osborn, 
Lieut. Pierson, 
Noah Peck, 
John Prindle, 
Jabez Pritchard, 
John Priestly, 
Oliver Root, 
Joseph Sanford, 



Philo Sperry, 

Jabin Sperry, 

Job Sperry, 
Alexander Sperry, 
Johnathan Sperry, 
Corp. Smith, 
Wm. Smith, 
Lieut. Steel, 
John Swift, 
Wm. Tomlinson, 
Thomas Torrance, 
Adam Vose, 
David Whittemore, 
Samuel Wood, 
Hezekiah Wooding, 
Eli Washband, 
Aaron Webster, 
Bowers Washburn, 

married the widow of David 

Wheeler, who died iu the 

revolutionary service. 

James Yatmau. 



That those who had sacrificed so much for fi-eedom were prompt in more 
peaceful times to frame aright the new government may be seen from the 
following resolution, adopted Oct. 8th, 1787 : 

"Resolved that this ToAvn will instruct, and that it does hereby instruct 
its representatives in the General assembly to use their influence to have a 
Convention called as speedily as possible for the purpose of taking into con- 
sideration the Constitution proposed by the Federal Convention, agi-eeable to 
the recommendation of Congress ; in hopes that the business may be entered 
upon at an early period by the Legislature. Voted and passed unanimously." 

Cap* Daniel Holbrook and Cap* John Holbrook were appointed the dele- 
sates to the State Convention. 




A lottery was established in 1782 by authority of the Town of Derby tu 
defray the expense of a highway from Derby to Woodbury, by the llouse- 
tunnock river and Wesquantuc or Rock House Hill Purchase, the cost not to 
exceed iSOO. Capt. Thomas Clark and Daniel Holbrook were to petition 
the General Assembly for its consent and approval. John Humphrey aud 
Lieut Joseph Riggs were appointed to lay out the road. The same year 
Ashbel Loveland was appointed to build a bridge over the Naugatuck "below 
the falls." 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. a.i 

Amity, embracing the present towns of Wootlbriilge and Bethany, was 
constitnted a parish in October, 1739, in the following words : 

Whereas upon the memorial of Ebenezer Beecher, Jasper (Junn, and 
the rest of the inhabitants of that jiart of the town of New Haven called 
Chestnut Hill, and also of Barnabas Baldwin, Joel Northrop ami others, to 
the number ot tifteen, living on the northerly bounds of Miltbrd, moving to 
the General Assembly at New Haven in October last that they might become 
one entire distinct parish, and praying for a committee, &c., the said General 
Assembly did appoint a committee, who accordingly nuiking their report to 
the General Assembly at Hartford in May last, and the same not being ac- 
cepted; and the said General Assembly in May last appointing another com- 
mittee, {viz.) Messrs. William Gould, William "VVard and Joseph Thompson, 
to view and report, &c. : And whereas the said last mentioned committee 
have to this Assembly made thei]- report, that according to the direction of 
the said Assembly they have repaired to the above said places, &c., and find 
and are of opinion that they, the above said inhabitants and farms, are able 
and sufficient to support parish charges, and that their bounds and limits 
ought to be as follows, viz : The north bounds in part upon the line between 
New Haven and Wallingtbrd, so far as from New Haven north-west bounds 
easterly to the West Eocks till it comes down to the south side of Samuel 
Baldwin's land; thence westerly to the highway at the end of Spen-y's 
Farms ; thence southerly, keeping said highway that leads up the great hill 
to Darby road ; then southerly at the rear of Westfield lots or second division 
lots ; then southerly till it comes to the south side of Capt. Isaac Johnson's 
farm ; then westwardly, between said Johnsons and that which was formerly 
Jeremiah Osborn's farm, to Milford east line ; then westwardly to a cross 
highway ; then keeping said highway to the south-east comer of Hogs 
Meadow Purchase, so called, in Milford ; then westerly with the south line 
of Hogs Meadow Purchase, to the partition line between Milford and Derby ; 
then northerly, in said partition line, to Lebanon brook, so called ; then east- 
erly by said Lebanon brook to New Haven line ; then northerly in said line 
between New Haven and Milford till it comes to New Haven north-west 
corner bounds aforesaid ; excluding the lands in said Milford on the race be- 
tween New Haven line and Hogs Meadow Purchase from the aforesaid south 
bounds of the same, north to Derby road ; and the lands of Fletcher Newton 
and John Hind in said Hogs Meadow Purchase, and Ephraim (iillett and 
his estate; and also exclusive of Samuel Sperry, Joshua Sperry and Jona- 
than Sperry, with their estates in New Haven bounds ; as per said report on 
lile, dated October sixth, 1738, doth appear : 

It is theretipon resolved by this Assembly, That the above said memo- 
rialists, inhabitants of New Haven and Milford situated and living within 
the bounds and limits above described, exclusive of the persons and estates 
above in said committee's report exempted and excluded, as also exclusive of 
the lands of Capt. John Kiggs, Sanmel Riggs and Joseph Riggs, lying 
within the bounds of Milford, be and become together one entire, separate 
and distinct society or parish, subsisting and known by the name of the 
Parish of Amity, and endowed with all powers and privileges wherewith 
other parishes within this government are by law endowed." Col. Records, 
Vol. 8, pages 201-2. 

Woodbridge was incorporated as a town in 1784, and was named from 
Rev. Benjamin Woodbridge, the first clergyman, who was ordained in 1742. 
This town has a fund of about live thousand dollars, given by Mr. Stephen 



54 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Sanford, who it appears was a firm friend to the American cause during the 
Eevolution. His will read thus : "I also give to the society of Amity, in the 
town of New Haven, for the support of a Presbyterian or Congregational 
minister, in said society, he being a friend to this, and the United States of 
America, after my wife's estate therein shall be ended," &c. 

Eev. Daniel Humphreys, the father of General David Humphreys, for 
fifty-four years the established minister of the First Society, died in 1787. 
The follwing is a copy of the inscription on his monument in the old Derby 
bur}ing ground: 

The Revd. Daniel Humplireys died Sept. 2d, 1787, in the 81st year of his age. For more than 
half a century he was the established minister of the first Society in this town. Mrs. Sarah Humphreys, 
the atlectionate wife of his youth, and the tender companion of his advanced age, died July 29th, 1 787 , 
just tive weeks before him. 

The seasons thus 

As ceaseless round a jarring world they roll, 

Still find them happy ; and consenting spring 

Sheds her own rosy garlands on their heads ; 

Till evening comes at last serene and mild, 

When after the long vernal day of Life 

Enamour'd more as more remembrance swells 

With many a proof of recollected love. 

Together down they sink in social sleep. 

Together freed their gentle spirits fly. 

To scenes where love and bliss immortal reign. 

In 1789 the Congregational Society was formed by the withdrawal of 
twenty-six persons from the Congregational church in Derby, as nan-ated in 
the account of the Congregational church of Seymour, on pages 10 and 17 of 
this book. Capt. Timothy Baldwin was the first deacon of the new society 
and Levi Tomlinson the next. The latter lived in the house on the Ansonia 
road now owned by Judge Bronson. After losing three children he moved 
to Ohio. The third deacon was Bradford Steel, Jun. 

The first mention on record of any action leading to the incorporation of 
the parish of Oxford as a separate town is in the record of a town meeting held 
Dec. 28th, 1789: — Doct'' Edward Carrington and M'' Shadrac Osbora were 
appointed a com"* to take into consideration all the circumstances of the town 
respecting Oxford being made into a to^^•n. 

In 1791 the first Methodist sennon in this vicinity was preached by Rev. 
Jesse Lee and from that time meetings continued to be held in the open air, 
in school-houses, and in dwelling houses, until 1818. 

At this time there was a giistmill at the mouth of Little River, known 
as "Baldwin's Mill." The owner was Isaac Baldwin, a man of strong re- 
ligious opinions and an unw^earying student of the Scriptures. The Bible was 
kept near at hand and when the mill did not require his attention he improved 
his leisiu-e in conning the sacred pages. William Kelly, of Litchfield, who 
was then a boy of eight or nine, living with his parents above Pinesbridge, 
said that when he came on horseback to the mill he would frequently find 
Mr. Baldwin reading his bible. One day in the winter of 179- he went down 
in the wheelpit to chop away the ice and was killed by the sudden starting of 
the wheel. His remains were inten-ed in Milton Parish, Litchfield. His 
children were named Isaac, Esther, Sarah, and Eunice. 

Bezaleel Peck owned the farm where Naaman Peck's house was since 
built. He was one of the early Methodists. 

Samuel Sanford, from Bethany, was the first physician who located here. 
The following petition, in which he represented Chusetown, was granted at a 
town meeting held Jan. 7th, 1793 : 

"To the Inhabitants of the Town of Derby in Town Meeting assembled, 
sir% we the subscribers, of s*^ Derby, Physicians, humbly beg liberty of said 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 55 

town that we may have liberty to set up the Enoculation of the Small Pox 
in s*^ Tov\-n, as there is many of the inhabitants of said Town that have and 
now are going into other towns for s'' purpose, and the, yongue people much 
exposed to have it the natural way if not enoculated, & we beg leave to sug- 
gest whether it be not for the advantage of tliis town to save as much of the 
money in the town as may be, and your Petitioners are willing to be under 
any restrictions as shall be thought reasonable, and are likewise of opinion 
that they can enoculate as cheap if not clieaper than is done bv other Phy- 
sicians in other Towns. EDWARD CRAFTS, 

SAMUEL SAXFORD, 
Derby, Dec. 10th, 1792. LIBERTY KIMBEKLV. 

The following is a copy of a report relative to the incorporation of the 
town of Oxford accepted in a town meetino; held Feb. 4th, 1 TlKi. Pages 
203-204, Derby Records, B., M., D. & T. P.^ 

To the inhabitants of the town of Derby to be assembled in a meeting 
of s*^ town to be held at the town house in s'' Derby, on ilonday, the 4'*^ day 
of Feb-^' instant — we the subscribers, com"«^ appointed at a meeting of s'' towii 
on Monday, the 7th day of Jan> last, to go out and view the circumstances 
and situation of s*^ town respecting a division thereof, and to ascertain certain 
boundaries and lines for s*^ division, and also to to take into consideration the 
expense or burden of s"^ town, and all matters relating to s'' division, and to 
report our opinion thereon, beg leave to report ; — That we have attended to 
s*^ business and mutually agreed on the following boundaries and lines of a 
division of s*^ town, viz : — beginning fifty rods above the mouth of Eight 
Mile Brook by Ousatonic River, from thence running north-easterly to the 
bend in Five Mile Brook at the foot of the hill, fi-om thence running by s** 
Brook to the bridge over s*^ Brook in Woodbury old road, from thence" to'the 
south-east comer of Timothy Johnson's — formerly Abner Johnson's — dwelling 
house, from thence a due east course to the Little River, from thence by said 
River to the mouth where it empties into Naugatuck River, fi-om thence 
crossing s*^ ISTaugatuck River to the eastern shore, from thence running up by 
said River on the east side of s*^ River to the mouth of the brook at the 
lower end of old Rinimou Plain, from thence to the end of the hill on the • 
north-easterly side of s'^ brook at the lower end of s'^ Plain called Pessemire 
Hill, from thence on the ridge of s*^ Rock to the upper end of s'^ brook, fi-om 
thence a due east course to the Woodbridge line. Also agreed that all land 
on either side of s*^ line where lands are divided by s^ lines shall be put into 
the List in either of the towns where the owner thereof resides so long as the 
present owners shall possess the same. And it is fm-ther agi-eed that Oxford 
or the new proposed town shall support one-half of the Falls Bridge, so long 
as the preseut bridge shall stand ; and when the present bridge will not an- 
swer to repair and it is necessary that a new bridge to be built, then Oxford 
or the s** new town shall at their own expense, build a good and sufficient new 
bridge where s'' bridge now stands, to the acceptance of s'' town of Derby. 
And it is further agreed that any persons living near said line on either side 
where the line divided their land shall have their choice on which town they 
will belong, provided they make their choice in one year afters'^ division, and 
shall belong where they enter ther List the first year after s'' division. And 
it is further agreed that when a division of s'' town shall be completed, the 
poor of s*^ town of Derby shall be divided to each town, and all other bur- 
dens which may arise in consequence of any existing circumstances, shall be 



56 



SEYMOUR a:SD VICINITY 



equally borne by eacli of said towns if divided according to the List of each 



town. All of which is submitted bv vour most humble servants. 

SAIVr HULL, 



Dated, Derby, Feb>- 4'*', A. 



ro3. 



DAXIEL HOLBEOOK, | 
THOMAS CLAKK, i.., 

CALEB CANDE, f '^^^ 

J OS I AH STRONG, | 

LEMAN STRONG, \ 



Leveret Pritchard, son of Sergt. Leveret Pritchard, who perished in the 
Avar of the revolution, was a sergeant of the 8th Company of the 32nd Regi- 
ment of Connecticut militia in 1793. Following is a copy of his commission. 

Daniel Holbrook, Esq'", Lieu* Col" Commandant of the Thirty Second 
Regiment of Militia in the State of Connecticut in America. 

To Leveret Pritchard, Greeting: You being nominated by the Eighth 
Company or train band in said Reg*^ to be a Serg* in S'^ Company; Reposing 
special trust and coniidence in your fidelity, courage and good conduct, I do 
by virtue of the Laws of this State me thereunto enabling, appoint and im- 
jjower you to take S*^ Company into your care as one of their Serg*'' and 
carefully and diligently to discharge that trust, exercising your inferior officers 
and soldiers in the use of their arms according to the discipline of war ordained 
by this State, keeping them in good order and commanding them to obey you 
as their Serg'^, and you are to observe all orders and directions as fi-om time to 
time you shall receive from one or other your superior officers pursuant to the 
trust hereby reposed in you, and this shall be your sufficient warrant. Given 
under my Hand in Derby, the 2""^ day of May, A. D., 1793. 

DANIEL HOLBROOKE. 

Following is the roll of the company fi'om the list left by Lieut. Pritchard. 
The marked X were crossed off on account of death, removal to other towns, etc. 



Aliira Auderson, X 
Isaac Baldwin, X 
Elias Baldwin, 
Jesse Baldwin, 
Silas Baldwin, 
Samuel Bartist, 
David Beach, X 
William Beard, 
Rubin Blake, X 
Henry Carpenter, 
John Church Caftrin, 
John Churchel, 
Timothy Churchel, X 
Amos Clark, 
Elias Clark, 
Levy Clark, 
Rufus Clark, X 
Hezekiah Clark, Jun., 
Abel Church, 
William Church, 
Worrin Cridenton, 
Sheldon Davis, 
Asey French, 
Enoch French, 
Jeremiah Grissell, 



Simeon Gunn, 
Jonah Harden, 
Joseph Hawkings, 
Samuel B. Hine, 
William Hine, 
Chancy Johnson, 
David Johnson, 
Elijah Johnson, 
Levy Johnson, X 
Timothy Johnson, 
Seley Judd, 
John Kelley, X 
Thomas Leavinsworth, 
Zebulon Lines, 
Ethel Lounsburv, 
Samuel W. Mitchell, 
Sebra Molthrop, 
Ebenezer Orsborn, X 
Philo Page, 
Salmon Parker, 
Eleazer Patchen, X 
John Perry, X 
Thomas Pitcher, X 
Asher Rheylee, 
James Riggs, 



John Riggs, 4th, 
Samuel Riggs, 
John Sanford, 
Moses Sanford, X 
Abial Skeals, X 
Elijah Smith, 
Jesse Smith, 
Lyman Smith, 
John Spenser, X 
George Steel, 
Nathan Stiles, Jun., 
Oliver Stoddard, 
Josiali Swift, 
Thadias Thomas, 
Cyrus Tomlinson, 
William Tomlinson, X 
Benjamin Tuttle, 
Abel Wheeler, 
Moses Wheeler, Jun., 
Thomas Wooding, 
Jacob Warner, X 
William Warner, 
Josiah Worshbura, Jun., 
Henry Wooster, Jun. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 57 

In a town meeting held Sept. 21st, 1795, it was voted that to facilitate 
the division of the town, Derby would divide its representation with Oxford, 
if set oft', each to have one rei)reseutative. 

At the same meeting it was "voted unanimously that this Town (Derbv) 
Remonstrate ag*^ the Petition of Tliad^ Burr & his associates praying for 
leave to build a bridge over Ousatonnack River near Stratford ferry, and 
do hereby app* Mes''' Leman Stone cSc John Howd our agents to Prefer a 
Remonstrance to the General Assembly & to prepare all Needful Evidence 
& Information to oppose Said Petition at the General Assembly." 

Small Pox continued to be subject of legislation, and Dec. 11th, 1797, it 
was voted that "twenty-six persons and no more be granted liberty to receive 
the small pox, they to receive it by the evening of the 12th, and give bonds that 
they remain at the dwelling house of ]\Ir. Benj. Davis in Derby and not depart 
the house until liberty be obtained from the authority and selectmen, and that 
the physician who inoculates them shall give bonds not to spread the small pox, 
and that the bonds be made payable to the selectmen, and that the selectmen 
and civil authority or their committee shall set limits to said house and have 
the superintending of the Physician and Patients, and that those who receive 
the small pox shall pay all expenses and save the town harmless." 

At this meeting Dr. Sanford of Chusetown, with Dr. Crafts, petitioned 
for liberty to "inoculate at some suitable place." At an adjourned meeting 
held Dec. 17th pennission was given to inoculate in separate hospitals, under 
the restrictions before established. The hospital established by Dr. Sanford 
was on the hill a little north of Castle Rock, convenient of access from his 
house, which stood on the northwest corner of West and Church streets. 

In 1797 Rev. Michael Coate, circuit preacher, organized the Methodist 

Society, including in its membership Jesse Johnson, Isaac Baldwin, Esther 

y Baldwin, Sarah Baldwin, Eunice Baldwin, George Clark, Lucy Hitchcock, 

Silas Johnson and Olive Johnson. Trinity church was built the same year. 

Vide page 25. 

In 1798 an attempt was made to get a more direct road from Chusetown 
to New Haven, the town of Derby opposing it and appointing a committee to 
"the General Court to oppose the granting of liberty to a turnpike company to 
make a road from New Haven to Rimmon Falls, near Mrs. Dayton's, unless 
the turnpike company will agree and become obliged to be at all the expense 
of purchasing, making and repairing said road." Notwithstanding this the 
arrangement was finally made, terminating at the lower bridge, then known 
as the bridge "at the falls of the Naugatuck" or Rimmon Falls. 

At first the road ran down what is now Pearl and Main streets, but in 
1802 purchases of land were made from Edmund Page, Lydia Keeney and 
V^Moses Riggs of a right of way direct to the bridge. The purchases were made 
by "Henry Daggett and Thomas Punderson of New Haven, and Levi Tom- 
linson of Chusetown, committee of the proprietors of the Turnpike Road from 
Thompson's Bridge in New Haven to the Falls Bridge in Chusetown." Page 
sold 45 rods of land 3 rods wide, 18 rods on the northeasterly line and 12 
rods on the southwesterly line; bounded southerly on highway, easterly on 
grantor's land, northwesterly on land deeded to said committee, and westerly on 
grantor's laud. D. R. Vol. 16, p. 197. Lydia Keeney sold "a part of her home 
lot containing sixty rods, being three rods wide and about twenty-live rods in ' 
length, for the puii)ose of extending the turnpike road from the highway be- 
tween the dwellinghouse and blacksmith shop of Edwin Page, in a direct line 
to the Falls Bridge, running angling through the land of s'' Lydia in a direct 



58 SEYMOUR AND VICimTY. 

line with the s*^ turnpike extending southerly of s*^ Blacksmith Shop," for $70, 
Feb. 16th. D. R., Vol. IC, p. 198. 

On the 22nd of February Moses Riggs of Oxford sold to the same parties 
"about one acre and thirty-five rods on the east side of the Naugatuck river, 
running on the Southwesterly line a straight line fi-om the northeast corner of 
said bridge to about two feet easterly of the northeast corner of Edmund Page's 
Blacksmith Shop, fi"om said bridge about fifty rods to Lydia Keeuey's land, 
bounded southerly on said grantor's land then easterly on land, deeded by s*^ 
Keeney to the grantees and their associates, then northeasterly on the grantor's 
land, and is three rods wide where it leaves s*^ Keeney's land on the northerly 
line and on the top of the hill four rods wide, and four rods opposite said corner 
of said bridge, and is bounded northwesterly on highway. Said land is for the 
purpose of extending the Turapike Road from the highway near s*^ Blacksmith 
shop to said Bridge, D. R., Vol. 16, p. 199. The names — Thompson's Bridge 
Turnpike and Rimmon Falls Turnpike, were both used to designate this road. 

These deeds make the old blacksmith shop, comer of Hill and Pearl streets, 
quite an important landmark. There was never any deed of the land, the 
shop having been built on "proprietors' land," i. e. undivided land. When 
the right of location was questioned, it was defended on the gromid of a vote 
of the town in 1798 which gave a title to any such land occupied by buildings 
standing at that time, at the same time forbidding any farther unauthorized 
appropriation of the public lands. It was claimed that the blacksmith shop 
was there in 1798, and that the title was therefore good. To make sure that 
the building, or some portion of it should continue to mark the spot, the north 
side of the building Avas cut out and the stone wall built, and under such cir- 
cumstances it is probable that the exact location was preserved. 

In making the turnpike, the cut on Hill street, below Washington Avenue, 
was made in part by ponding the brook crossing the intersection of Hill and 
Pearl streets, and turning the water down the cut, carrying the sand and 
gravel into the river. 

In April 1798, John Riggs, Caleb Candee and Charles Bimnell on the 
part of the Parish of Oxford, and James Lewis, David Hitchcock and 
Canfield Gillett on the part of "the old town," as a joint committee, reported 
in addition to previous an-angements, that Oxford should pay £170 to the old 
town in three annual installments, as a condition of the division of the town. 

The Falls Bridge seems to have been a continued source of discussion .and 
expense, either for repairs or rebuilding. In March, 1802, arrangements were 
commenced for building a new bridge, the expense to be borne principally by 
Oxford Turapike Co. and Rimmon Turnpike Co., assisted by the town of Derby 
on condition that citizens of the town may pass toll free. A toll gate was to 
be put up at the end of the bridge. In this year John Wooster sold his third 
of the Falls property to Bradford Steel for $167, and Oct. 8th, 1803, Steel 
purchased of Nathan Styles his share of the Falls property and also a separate 
tract of land near by. Styles came from Southbury and married a daughter of 
Capt. Ebenezer Dayton. He had earned on business here a number of years 
previous to 1802. 

Bradford Steel had been carrying on business at the mouth of Little 
River, having his fulling mill and dye shop at the foot of the hill, and his 
finishing shop at the top of the hill east of the church. He lived in the old 
house (still standing) until he sold it to Abiel Canfield. 

Up to this time the spinning wheel for flax and wool had been a neces- 
sary article in a well-ordered farm-house, and it was often accompanied by 



SEYMOUK AND VICIMTY. o9 

the hand loom, reel, and cards, — soon superceded by cardin-,' machines. 
Mothers and daughters were skilled in making stout and durable cloth, as 
well as in the preparation of woolen yarn for mittens and stockings. Plain- 
ness of apparel was the rule and garments which had cost so many days of 
tiresome labor by members of the household were not likely to be thrown by 
for trities. Steel made no cloth. The cloth dressed and finished by him had 
been woven on hand looms in the homes of the industrious weavers. 

In 1803, Col. David Humphreys, afterward known as General Ilumphreys, 
who was to be so closely identified with the interests of the place, came and 
purchased the Falls property, as appears by the deed in Derby Kecords, Vol. 
17, page 30. The deed was given Dec. i3th and recites that ''Col. David 
Humphreys, now of Boston, in the commonwealth of Massachusetts," purchased 
of Bradford Steel, Bradford Steel, Jr., and George Steel, for the sum of 
$2,617.92, ''one certain piece of land lying in said Derby at a place called 
Kimmon Falls, it being the same tract of land formerly deeded by John Howd 
and Joseph Chuse, Indians, to John Wooster, Ebeuezer Kinney and Josei)h 
ilull, Jr., as may appear on Derby Kecords ; for a particular description, refer 
to said Kecords 5 together with all the privileges, together with the saw mill, 
two fulling mills, clothiers shop, and all the utensils, implements, and apparatus 
belonging to and used in, and appendant and appurtenant in and to the said 
mills and clothier's shop standing on said land, together with the buildings 
thereon standing, together with the whole mill-dam across said Kimmon Falls." 

The merino sheep had been introduced into the country and their great 
superiority being immediately manifest, fanners were everywhere glad to 
avail themselves of the opportunity to improve their stock. Gen. Humph- 
reys did not encourage speculation but distributed his sheep judiciously among 
the farmers at $100 each, a price said to be less than the original cost. When 
the price rose to $100 he refused to sell, saying that he believed such sales 
would lead to ruinous speculation. But soon the price of merino bucks went 
up to $1,500 and a few were even sold as high as §3,000, and ewes sold from 
$1,000 to $1,500. John Bassett was ottered $1,000 by Philo Bassett for a 
full blooded merino ewe lamb eight days old and refused to take less than 
$1,500. A few days after it was killed by a fox. Two young farmers united 
in buying a buck at $1,500 and the same day it died by being choked 
\nth an apple. But such mishaps checked the speculation but little, and it 
rapidly extended throughout New England, Vermont in particular being 
quickly supplied with some of the merinos. 

Gen. Humphreys considered it of great importance to the interests of 
the country that manufactures, especially that of woolen cloths, should be 
introduced, and with the nucleus of the "mills and clothiers' shop" purchased 
of Styles he immediately set about it. In 1800 he had the factory built which 
still stands on Factory street, near the race. On the fifth and sixth of June 
was raised the frame of the first woolen factory built in the United States. 

The name "Chusetown" appears on the town Kecords as late as 1801, but 
it was soon changed to Humpreysville in honor of Gen. Humphreys, and this 
name was retained until 1850. 

That he might the better carry out his plans Gen. Humphrey made several 
other purchases of land, among others the two following April 25, 1804. Of 
Nathan and Experience Wheeler, for $000, "one piece of land at a place called 
Northend, * * * lying on the west side of the highway, bounded northerly on 
John Swift's land, westerly on the Naugatuck Kiver, southerly on land of 
Daniel Tucker, Jr., then easteriy on s'' Tucker's land, then southerly on s^' 



CO JSEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Tucker's land to the highway, then bouniletl easterly on highway to said Swift's 
land, containing about 117 acres, more or less; also one other piece of land, 
lying on the hill, bounded westerly on highway, northerly on land of Henry 
Wooster, Jr., then westerly on land of s'^ Wooster, then again northerly on 
land of s'^ Wooster, to the O'Cain land, then easterly on the O'Cain land, then 
again easterly on highway to land of Zephaniah Tucker, then southerly on s*^ 
Tucker's land, then again easterly on s"^ Tucker's land, then running westerly 
to the highway, as the fence now stands, containing about thirty-five acres of 
land, more or less, with the buildings belonging to s*^ pieces of land." 

Witnessed by John Humphreys, and John Humphreys, Jr. 

He also purchased of Nathan Wheler, a tract of 131 acres, adjoining- 
lands of John Swift, Daniel Tucker, David Treat, Levi Hotchkiss, Fitch 
Smith, Capt. Eeuben Tucker, "common land," and highway, with another 
piece of eight acres, for the consideration of $4,500, 

Cattle, sheep and hogs still roamed at large on the common lands. One 
item of the record says : — "David Humphrey's ear mark is a square half 
penny the upper side the right ear. Entered May 15th, 1804. Per John* 
Humphreys, Eeg'"." 

A road from Shrub Oak to Derby Narrows was demanded by the people 
of Woodbury and adjoining towns, and laid out in 1805. The following 
resolution in regard to it was passed June 11th, "Voted that the select- 
men of the town of Derby be directed, and they are hereby directed 
to take such measures as in their judgement shall appear most prudent 
and proper to procure the making of the Eoad they have lately laid out 
on the west side of Naugatuck Kiver, from Shruboak to Derby Landing, and 
cause the same to be well made at the expense of said town, and they are 
directed to collect and apply to that use any or all the monies due to said 
Town as they may find themselves needful." 

President Dwight, of Yale College, wrote an interesting sketch of 
Humphreysville as he found it in the fiiU of 1811, which is here given : 

"Within the limits of Derby, four miles and a half from the mouth of 
the Naugatuc, is a settlement named by the Legislature Humphreysville, 
from the Hon. David Humphreys, formerly Minister Plenipotentiary at the 
Court of Madrid. At this place a ridge of rocks, twenty feet in height 
crosses the river, and forms a perfect dam about two thirds of the distance. 
The remaining third is closed by an artificial dam. The stream is so large as 
to furnish an abundance of water at all times for any works, which will proba- 
bly ever be erected on the spot. Those already existing are a grist-mill, a 
saw-mill, a paper-mill, woolen manufactory, and a cotton manufactory, with 
all their proper appendages, and a considerable number of other buildings, 
destined to be the residence of the manufacturers, and for various other 
purposes. 

A strong current of water in a channel, cut through the rock on the 
Eastern side, sets in motion all the machinery, employed in these buildings. 
By this current are moved the grist-mill ; two newly invented shearing ma- 
chines ; a breaker and finisher for carding sheep's wool ; a machine for making 
ravellings ; two jennies for spinning sheep's wool, under the roof of the 
grist-mill ; the works in the paper-mill; a picker ; two more carding machines 
for sheep's wool ; and a billy with forty spindles in a third building ; a full- 
ing-mill ; a saw-mill, employed to cut the square timber, boards, laths, &c., 
for the different edifices, and to shape many of the wooden materials for the 
machinery; two more fulling-mills on improved principles, immediately 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. Gl 

connected witli the clothier's shop ; and the various machinery in a cotton 
nianutiictory, a buikling about one hundred feet hmg, thirty-six wide, and of 
four stories, capable of containing two thousand spindles with all their neces- 
sary apparatus. 

The houses can accommodate with a comfortable residence about one 
hundred and fifty persons. Ten others in the neighbourhood will furnish 
comfortable residences for upwards of one hundred and fifty more. Gardens 
00 a beautiful plat in the rear of the manufactories, furnish all the vegetables, 
necessary for the establishment. 

The institution contains four broad and eight narrow looms, and eighteen 
stoclung-fi-ames. 

The principal part of the labour in attending the machinery, in the 
cotton and woolen manufactories, is done by w^omen and children ; the former 
hired at from fifty cents to one dollar per week ; the latter, apprentices, who 
are regularly instructed in reading, writing, and arithmetic. 

The wages of the men are from five to twenty -one dollars, per month. 

In Europe great complaints have been made of manufacturing estab- 
lishments, as having been very commonly seats of vice, and disease. Gen- 
eral Humphreys began this, with a determination either to prevent these 
evils, or if this could not be done, to give up the design. With regard to 
the health of his people it is sufficient to observe, that from the year 1804 to 
the year 1810, not an individual, belonging to the institution, died ; and it is 
believed, that among no other equal number of persons there has been less 
disease. 

"\Vith respect to vice it may be remarked, that every person, who is dis- 
covered to be openly immoral, is discharged. 

At the commencement of the institution, discreet parents were reluctant 
to place their children in it, from unfavourable apprehensions concerning the 
tendency of such establishments. Since that time they have been otfered in 
more than suificient numbers. 

In 1813, the Legislature, at the instance of Gen. Humphreys, passed a 
law, constituting the select-men and magistracy of the several towns in which 
manufactories had been or should be established, visitors of these institutions. 
This law required the proprietors to controul in a manner specified, the mor- 
als of all their workmen, and to educate the children, as other children in 
})lain families throughout the State are educated. The visitors were directed 
to enquire annually, into the manner in which the proprietors conformed to 
this law. The reports of the visitors in Derby, concerning the establishment 
at Ilumphreysville, have been in a high degree honourable both to the pro- 
prietor and his people. 

The manutactures at Humphreysville are esteemed excellent. The best 
broadcloth made here, is considered as inferiour to none which is imported. 

Americans make all the machinery ; and have invented several kinds of 
machines, which are considered as superiour to such as have been devised in 
Europe for the same purposes. 

Most of the weaving has been done in private families. 

The scenery at this spot is delightfully romantic. The Fall is a fine object. 
The river, the buildings belonging to the institution,. the valley, the border- 
ing hills, farms, and houses, groves, and forests, united, form a landscape, in 
a high degree interesting. 

The people of this country are, at least in my opinion, indebted not a 
little to Gen. Humphreys, both for erecting this manufacturing establishment. 



62 SEYMOUR A^D VICINITY. 

and for introducing into the United States the invaluable breed of Spanish 
sheep, known by the name of Merinos. One hundred of these animals he 
procured to be brought by the connivance of the Spanish Court, from the 
interiour of Spain to Lisbon ; and thence transported to Derby under his own 
eye. A few of them died in consequence of the voyage. The rest speedily 
regained their strength and ftesli, and from that time the breed, instead of 
declining, has sensibly improved. For some years strong prejudices existed 
in the minds of the farmers throughout our country against this breed of 
sheep. Gen. Humphreys has done more than any other man, perhaps than 
all others, to remove this prejudice, and to spread them through the country. 

In this manufactory he has, I think, fairly established three points of 
great importance. One is, that these manufactures can be carried on with 
success ; another, that the workmen can be preserved in good health, as that, 
enjoyed by any other class of men in the country ; and the third, that the 
deterioration of morals in such institutions, which is often complained of, is 
not necessary, but incidental, not inherent in the institution itself, but the 
fault of the proprietor. 

Derby, then including Oxford, contained in 175G, 1,000 inhabitants ; in 
1774, 1,889 ; in 1790, 2,994. Derby alone contained in 1800, 1,878 inhabi- 
tants ; and, in 1810, 2,051." 



The employes of the works were mostly Americans, but it was necessary 
to send to England at great expense for men who were skilled in some branches 
of the work Which were entirely new in this country. Among them were 
John Winterbottom, father of Mrs. Ann S. Stevens, and Thomas Gilyard, 
son of Edmund and Nancy Gilyard, born in Leeds, England, March 20, 1786. 
He came to New York in the "Commerce" in the summer of 1807, having had 
a very fine passage of 45 days, and by packet to New Haven in three days sail, 
a quick trip for those times. He immediately commenced work for Humphreys 
and worked for him until March 28th, 1810. In this year the manufacture 
of stockings was carried on here on a considerable scale. This w^as new work 
for Gilyard, but he soon learned it. He was an active member of the Methodist 
Society for many years. His very interesting journal has furnished many 
dates and incidents for these pages. 

In 1802 Canfield Gillett was appointed a committee to make application 
to the General Assembly for permission to sell the land near Kimmon Falls 
still belonging to the Indians, (D. R., B. M. D., p. 419,) but the permission 
was not granted until 1810. The land was sold in 1812. Following is a copy 
of the deed to Gen. Humphreys. 

" Whereas the General Assembly at their Session in May, 1810, authorized the Subscriber, 
Joseph Biggs of Derby, in New Haven County, to sell and convey certain lands lying in said 
Derby, Humpieysville, the property of Philip, Hestor and Mary, ando other certain Indian 
Proprietors, under the direction of the judge of Probate for New Haren J)i>>trivt, u'ho has 
ordered the subso'iber to proceed in the sale thereof, notv thereupon, in purtiuaiance of said 
authority and in consideration of three hundred and forty-six dollars and twenty-five cents 
received to my full satisfaction of David Humphreys, Esq., of Derby aforesaid, I, the said 
Joseph Biggs, have remised, released and quiiclaimed, and do by these presents remise, release 
and quitclaim to said Humphrey, his heirs and assigns forever, the following described tioo 
pieces of land, part of said lands directed to be sold as aforesaid, one pitve bounded southerly 
and easterly on highways, northerly and westerly on said HuntpJirci/s' land, the other piece 
southerly and ivesterly on highways, northerly on part of said Indian lands J hare sold to 
Phebe Styles, and easterly on said Humphreys and said Styles, containing by estimation in 
both pieces six acres and one half, the whole lying easterly of said Humphrey's Factor ys, and 
comprehending the whole Indian Land excepting those contained in the conveyance to said 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 03 

Phebe Stiles, to have and to hold said rtmised and quitclaimed premisen to him, thesaid David, 
his heirx and assigns forever, so that said Indians and no persons under them shall hereafter 
make claim to said 7'emised premises, and I hereby covenant that I hare full ritjht to sell and 
convey in manner aforesaid. In testimony whereof 1 have hereto »et my hand and seal this 7th 
day of Sept., 1812. . v 

JOSEPH lilGGS j SEAL J 

Signed, sealed and delivered New Haven County ss. New Haven, Sept. 7, 1812, 

iu presence of Personally appeared JOSEPH lilGGS, signer 

ELIZUR GOODRICH, and sealer of the foregoing instrument, and ac- 

BENJAMIN BULL. knowledged the same to be his free act and deed 

Recorded March 9th 1813. before me. 

JOHN L. LOUNSBURY. ELIZUR GOODRICH, Assistant. 

The land referred to in above deed as sold to Pbebe Stiles consisted of 2 
acres and 20 rods, "beginning tive rods and three feet from the northwest corner 
of Col. Humphrey's new cellar, and running northerly by highway to Col. 
David Humphreys' land, thence easterly to said Phebe's land, thence southerly 
by her lands to lands this day conveyed to said Humphreys, and thence by said 
land to place of beginning." 

From the following extracts from the town records it appears that another 
tract of land was purchased for the Indians with the proceeds of the above 
sales. "Whereas the General assembly, June 7th, 1813, authorized Joseph 
Kiggs to sell certain lands the property of Philip, Moses, Hester, Frank and 
Mary Seymour, which lay in Derby and which descended to them fi-om John 
Howder (Howd), an Indian, and to lay out the avails in other real estate," a 
tract of land was purchased "for $230 for and in behalf of said Moses, 
Hester and the children of said Mary Seymour, the said Mary being de- 
ceased," — four acres, three quarters and eleven rods bounded north on James 
Lewis, easterly and northerly on the lands of Isaac Short, and easterly on 
Isaac Thompson, southerly on land of Peter Johnson, and westerly on high- 
way, "the children of said Mary Seymour (evidently Moses, Frank and Mary) 
to have one undivided third. To Phillip, Hester and representatives of said 
Mary, by Lewis and Betsey Prindle." Deed executed June 15th, 1813. 

The War of 1812, calling for men and means from every section of the 
country, though it could but interrupt to some extent the progress of the 
peaceful arts, did not prevent a continued growth of the manufacturing in- 
dustries in Humphreysville. The busy hum of machinery and the sound of 
preparations for war were alike heard in our peaceful valley. A company of 
artillery was formed in Humphreysville, including a few from Oxford, and 
sent to New London and stationed at the fort at the mouth of the river 
Thames. The following names of the members of the company have been 
obtained from inscriptions in our cemeteries and elderly people of the vicinity : 

Col. Ira Smith, died Nov. 19th, 1822, aged 44 years. 

Capt. Daniel Holbrook, d. Dec. 28th, 1828, a 59. 

Capt. Amadeus Dibble, d. Sept. 25th, 1843, se 05. 

Anson Baldwin. 

Jesse Baldwin. 

Abel Bassett, d. March 23rd, 1803, fe 78. 

Samuel Bassett, d. Sept. 28th, 1851, te 07. 

William Bassett. 

James Bowman. 

Lewis Broad well, d. Sept. 0th, 1844, se 53. 

Thomas Gilyard, d. Nov. 12th, 1853. ■ 

Jesse Hartshoni. 

Chauncey Hatch, from Oxford. 



64 SEYMOUR AKD VICINITY. 

Daniel Holbrook, 2nd. 

William Kinney, d. Jan. 7th, 1847, se 87. 

Calvin Leavenworth, from Pines Bridge. 

Isaac Leavenworth. 

Isaac Losee. 

Theophilus Miles, Jr., d. March 15th, 1840, se 70. 

John Moshier. 

Ebenezer Northrop, d. Jan. 11th, 1835, se 49. 

Sheldon Tucker, d. Jan. 5th, 1843, se 57. 

Isaac White, d. Feb. Gth, 18G2, ge 72. 

Nathan Wooster. 

The company was completed by a draft and Samuel Canfield was one of 
those who were drafted. He was then apprentice to Elias Gilbert, a ma- 
chinist who worked in a shop which he had built near the corner of Hill and 
Pearl streets, next to the blacksmith shop, now occupied by William J. 
Eoberts as a dwelling. Canfield was then eighteen years of age and had 
become so skillful a machinist that his employer, rather than lose his services, 
hired a substitute in his place. Gilbert did the machine work for Gen. 
Humphreys. William Humphreys, brother of Squire John Humphreys and 
nephew of Gen. Humphreys invented several useful machines to facilitate the 
manufacture of broadcloth, and the machines were built by Gilbert. 

Gen. Humphreys was always ready to honor the memory of his brave 
com-patriots. At a town meeting held April 12th, 1813, he introduced and 
the following resolutions, which were passed unanimously : 

Resolved, that Isaac Hull, Esq., a native of this town. Captain in the Navy of 
the U. S., and lately Commander of their Frigate Constitution, with the aid of his 
gallant officers and ships companv and the smiles of Providence, having led the van 
in the career of our naval glory, capturing his Britanic Majesty's Frigate Guerriere 
commanded by Captain Dacres, has in our opinion deserved well of his country and 
is an ornament to the place of his nativity. 

Besolved, that joining cordially in the universal applause, bestowed by our coun- 
trymen on Hull, Jones, Decatur, Bainbridge and Lawrence, and their brave and 
skillful associates in perils and triumphs, for their glorious naval achievements, we 
judge we have a right in our corporate capacity without showing an undue partiality 
to the first mentioned officer or stepping aside from our municipal duties, to notice 
more particularly his exemplary merits from having better opportunities of becoming 
acquainted with them. 

Besolved, that Messrs. John L. Tomlinsou, William Humphreys and Pearl Crafts 
be a committee to collect and digest such distinguishing and illustrative facts on the 
subject matter now before us as may be attainable and that they will cause the result 
to be communicated to the public in snob manner as they shall deem most proper. 

Besolved, that from the interruption of our Fisheries and navigation by war, 
silver and gold we have not, to offer in costly demonstrations of respect and esteem in 
inutation of richer towns, yet what we have we freely give, to wit, a tribute of 
gratitude. 

Therefore, voted that Isaac Hull, Esq., being already constitutionally entitled to 
the freedom of this corporation, the Ijianks of this town be presented to him in a bos 
made of heart of oak, the congenial growth of his native hills. 

Voted, that the committee take order from the Selectmen for the performance of 
this service and report their proceedings to a future meeting for the express purpose 
that a town Record be made for the perpetual remembrance of these transactions. 

Voted, that the committee above named be directed to transmit to Capt. Hull a 
certified copy of the foregoing resolutions. 



SEYMOTR AXD VICINITY. cr, 

While the fathers were intent on raising- sheep tlie hoys had tlieir (k']iart 
nient in the new inilnstry, and busied themselves to raise the teasels used in 
dressing the cloth. (Jen. IIunii)hreys orunmized the boys of the factory into a 
trainband, and furnished them with the articles necessiiry for drill. Tlie silk 
flag, beautifully embroidered by Lady IIinui)lireys, is now in the possession of 
-Carlos French, Escj. The inscrii)tion is as follows: 






^ 



FEI^KEAER^ATVI^O. 




SHIELD ) 
ilMS.^ 







Reverse: Semi-circle of 1(> stars, '•HUMPHREYS VILLE," eagle, 
arrows and state emblems. 

G<Mi. Humphreys died in 1818. His remains were interred in Xew 
Haven Cemetery. Upon the monument is the following inscription on two 
tablets of copper inserted in the pedestal : 

David Huiiipliieys, LL. D. A(\iil. Scieiit. Pliilatl. Mass. et Connect, et in Anglia Aquae Solis 
et Regi* Societal, socius. Patria' ef libertatis anioie accensus, jiivenis vitam reipuh. integrani coir 
secravit. Patriani arniis tuehatur, consiliis auxit. literis exoiiiavit, apud exteras gentes coiicordia 

stabilivit. In hello gerendo niaxinii ducis Washington admi-iister et ailjutor; in exercitu patrio 

Cbiliarchus ; in republica Connecticutensi, niilituni evocatovuui imperator; ad aulatn Lusitan. et 
Hispan. legatus. Iberia reversus iiatale sohrai vellere vere aureo ditavit. In Ilistoria et Poesi 
scriptor eximius; in artibus et scieiitiis excoleiidis, qujE vel deeori vel usuni inserviiuit, optiinus ipse 
et patronus et exemplar. Omnibus demam officiis expletis, cursuq; vita- felicilei- jieracto, fato 
cessit. Die xxi Febniar. Anno Domini mdcccxviii. cum aunos vixisset i-xv. 

This may be rendered as follows : 

David IIu.MriiRKYS. Doctor of Laws, Arembev of the Academy of Sciencp of Pliiladelpliia, 
Massachusetts, and Connecticut ; of the Bath [Agricultural] Society, and of the Koyal Society of 

London. Fired with the love of country and of liberty, he consecrated liis youth wholly to the 

service of the Kepublic, which he defended l)y his arms, aided by his counsels, adorned by his 
learning, and preserved in hariuony with foreign nations. In the field, he was the coni|)aiiion and 
aid of the great Washingtoi), a Colonel in the army of his country, and coiiiiiiander of the Veteran 
Volunteers of Connecticut. He went Ambassador to the courts of Portaj^al and Spain, and return- 
ing, enriched his native land with the true golden fleece. He was a distinguished Historian and 
Poet ;— a model and Patron of Science, and of the ornamental and useful arts. After a full dis- 
charge of every duty, and a life well spent, he died on the 21st day of February, 1S18, aged (>.^ years. 



66 SEYMOUR AXD VICINITY. 

Mrs. Mills, the wife of the pastor of Fairfield, and sister of General 
Humphrey, died in 1815. When the British burned Fairfield, July 7th, 
1779, she fled on horseback, having put lier best feather bed across the horse, 
and came to old Derby. The parsonage and the church in wliicli her hus- 
band had preached were burned to the ground. She afterward had built for her 
the house in the rear of that now occupied by Dr. J. Kendall, and there re- 
mained until her death. 

The representation of Hum])hreysville on the opposite page is from a 
woodcut made either by Abial Canfield or by an English engraver in his 
employ, for use as a trade mark in the ])apermill, which may be distinguished 
in the woodcut by the water wheel outside the mill. Between the papermill 
and the dam was the gristmill, previously occupied by Nathan Stiles as a 
woolen mill. At the right of the papermill was the sawmill. The large 
building at the right of the sawmill was the woolen ftictory in which General 
Humphreys made the first broadcloth ever manufactured in the United States. 
At the right of the factory was the "Long House," built by General Humph- 
reys for dwellings for his employes. The l)uilding on the right and the 
smaller one adjoining were used by Gen. H. as an office and storehouse. The 
little building at the foot of the hill was a machine shop connected with the 
woolen factory. The barn ou the hill beyond the office spire belonged to 
Abel Bassett'. 

There was a great revival in the fall and winter of 1816 among the 
Methodists. "Uncle Timothy" Hitchcock was one of the converts. Keuben 
Harris was in charge. He lived in the house with Stiles Johnson. The 
summer of 1816 was known as "the cold sunnner." There was frost 
every month in the year. In this year Worrull & Hudson sold out the 
papermill to Ebenezer Fisher and Henry LeForge. 

In 1817 the Congregational Society was organized. Vide page 9. In 
connection with the sale of the old church to the Methodists the following 
from the records is of interest : 

'■^Humphrey fiviUe^ Oct. 31, 1817. At a meetiiu/ of the Brethren of the 
Methodist Society, convened at the house of Timothy Hitchcoel-j for the 
purpose of transacting hvsirn'ss for the her/eft <f sd. society, Voted that 
Robert Lees, Bezaleel Peel; Timotlty JlitcJicoch and Stiles Johnson he ap- 
pointed a Co7nmittee to arrange business with a committee appointed by the 
Congregationalists relative to the old Meeting Honse in Humphreys ViUe. 

Robert Lees, Moderator. 

]^^^2nd, Voted, Newel Johnson — Secretary. 

f^Srd, Voted, Stiles Johnson, Bezaleel Peel; Robert Lees, Thomas 
Gilyard, Timothy Hitchcocl; Trustees for the said Methodist Society." 

'''■Copy of the Deed of the old Presbyterian Meeting Jiouse in Humph- 
reys Ville : 

To all people to whom these presents shall come, greeting : Know ye 
that we, Bradford Steele, Sarah Steele, William Kenney, Ira Smith, Phebe 
Stiles, (fe Philena Baldwin, of Derby m Xeiv Haren County, for the con- 
sideration of forty Dollars, red'd to our full satisfaction of Stiles Johnson, 
Bezaleel Peck, Thomas Gilyard, Robert Lees and Timot'liy Hitchcock, do 
remise and release and forever quitclaim unto the said Johnson, Peck, 
Gilyard, Lees, and Hitchcock, for the use of the said Methodist Society, 
and unto their heirs and assigns forever, all the right, title and interest, 
claim & demand ivhatsoever, as we the said releasors hare or ought to have 
in or to one certain House in Humphreys Ville, adjoining the burying ground 



68 SEYMOUK AXD VICINITY. 

hidlt for a House of Public Worship, to have and to hold the said premises, 
with all their appurtenances, unto the said Releasees & their heirs d- 
Assigns forever, so that neither we the releasors, nor our heirs, nor any 
other person under tis or them shall hereafter have any right or title in or to 
the premises or any part thereof, but therefrom we, ajid they are by these 
presents forever debarred & secluded. 

In untness whereof ive have hereunto set our hands tk seals this 22nd 
day of Sejyt^, Anno Domini, 1818. 

BEADFORD STEELE, [seal^ 
SARAH STEELE, [seal] 

IRA SMITH, Isean 

PHEBE STILES, [seal] 

WM. EENNEY, [.sm/] 

PHILENA BALDWIN, [sm/] 
SUpied, sealed & delivered in presence of John Humphreys, Jr., 

Phebe Stiles, 
Elias Baldwin. 
New Haven Co. S. S., Derby, Sept. 22, 1818, personally appeared 
B. S., S. 8., I. S., P. 8., W. K. & P. B., signers and sealers of the fore- 
going instrument, and acknowledged the same to be their free act d: deed 
before me. John Humphreys, JunV, Justice of the Peace.''' 

In 1818, Stiles Johnson gave by will to the Methodist Society the groiuid 
on which the church stands, with the green in front, also $334 in money, of 
which $134 was to be applied to repairs on the church, the $200 to be kept 
as a peri)etual fund, the interest only to be applied for the support of 
"regular Sabliath preaching." following is a copy of the clause of his will 
making the bequest to the church : 

2nd. — / ivlU and bequeath to the Methodifit Societi/ in Eiimphreys Fille the land on 
whicJi the meeting hoiifie now standu, together unth the Green in front of said House, to be in 
the care of the Trustees of mid house, for the benefit of said Society, and I also give three 
Hundred and thirty-four dollars of my Estate to be applied to the support of the Methodist 
traveling Preachers as long as there shall be regular Sabbath preaching in the aforesaid 
Meeting House, which money shall be raised and paid out of my Estate as though it ivas a 
Debt to the Trustees of said House and the Interest annually applied as aforesaid. But if it 
should be thought by the afo:'es<(id Trustees more for the benefit of said Society, they may 
apply any sum not exceeding one Hundred and thirty-four dollars to making further repairs 
on said House, and the remainder to be applied as aforesaid. Bui if the Traveling Connec- 
tion should neglect or refuse to su^yply said House as ajoresaid then the Interest of said money 
shall be given to such local preachers as shall for the lime being supply their place according 
to the discretion of the Trustees. 

In May, 1822, the Humphreysville Manufacturing Company was incor- 
porated by act of the Legislature and organized with a capital of 850,000. 
John H. DeForest was the first president and J. Fisher Learning, secretary. 
D. R., Vol. 22, p. 439. The falls property was purchased of Lewis Wain of 
Philadelphia Aug. 1st, for $10,000 ; being described iu D. K., Vol. 22, p. 
432, as follows : 

Beginning "a few rods north of thtteast abutment of the lUnunon Falls bridge, at tlie 
corner of the highway, thence bounded northerly on said DeForest, thence easterly and south- 
erly on said DeForest, thence easterly on highway to Bladen^s Brook, thence northerly on 
Bladenh Brook to Naugaiuck Kirer, thence on said Biver to the dam, including the whole of 
the dam and all the tvater privileges appertaining thereto, then bounded southerly on said 
Kaugaiuck River to a point tcltere the highway 8trike'< said river, thenee easterly on highway 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 69 

to saidfirxt mentioned bounds, with all the milh, manufactories, 4'- huildiuys standing thereon, 
{one piece of land — north of ^^ Promised Land" to Bladen's Brook,) * » * one other 
piece of land on the west aide of Nuugatuck Hirer, opposite the manufactory, bounded west- 
erly on hiyhway, southerly on hitjhioay to the channel, where the stream sometimes crosses the 
road, then bounded easterly on said channel to the Bimmon falls rock, thence runninff on said 
Fall rocks, bounded easterly un said Xaugatuck Biver to the north side of the pathway leading 
from the rirer up the hill to the road bounded northeasterly on John, If'illiam and Elijah 
Humphreys' land, to the bars on the top of the hill at the highway, reserving a passwuy to the 
said John, William ^- Elijah Humphreys' land l^- to the burying ground, » » » contain- 
ing about Sixteen acres, more or less, with the full, absolute 4' exclusive water privileges on 
both sides the rirer," i)'r. 

The (lain was soon rebuilt, tlie watercourse to tlie mills widened and 
cotton machinery put in. There was then one store in the valley and one on 
the hill near the Episcopal Church, DcForest lived at first in the iJotli house, 
on west side of south ]Main street, opposite Pearl street, till he built the house 
now occupied bv Ravmond French, Esq., in which he lived until his death 
in 1839. 

The shop in the fork of the road near the M. PL Church was built in 
1825 by Newel Johnson, Isaac Kenney and Jesse Smith owninu- a |>ortion of 
the building. The upper part of the building was used by Johnson for a 
carpenter and cabinet shop and what coffins were retjuired in the village 
were made there. Newel Johnson built tln^ houses of Denzel Hitchcock and 
others. Johnson's father lived in the house now occupied by Jeremiah 1 )urand. 

In 1828, Samuel R. Hickox, a local preacher from Southbury, moved 
into Humphreysville and took charge of the grist mill near the falls. Rev. 
Amos Pettengill was the pastor of the Congregational church, Rev. Stephen 
Jewett of the Episcopal church, and Rev. A. H. Sanford of the IMethodist 
church. In this year a bell was first procured for the Episcopal church and 
a stove put up in the church. Previous to this, foot stoves were the only 
means of producing artificial warmth in the churches. About this time 
Judson English came from Hotchkisstown, now Westville, and bought out 
the tannery on the premis<'S now owned by Arthur Piider, previously run by 
Benham. The bark mill was further south on the brook just below the rail- 
road crossing. About ten years later English sold out to (ieorge Kii'tland 
and removed to Great Hill. The father of Judson was one of the early 
Methodists, and Judson was a class-leader when living in Hotchkisstown. 
Always a very hard working man and strictly temperate, few men could beat 
him in the field until he was nearly seventy years of age. He was always a 
working member of the church of his choice, and a trustee and steward of 
the Great Hill Society until his death. 

In 1830, Leveret Pritchard was living on the knoll opposite the saw-mill 
still standing near the upper end of Maple street. Previous to that time he 
lived in the house in the rear of Dr. J. Kendall's. 

C'hester Jones, a paper maker, built the north "Kirtland house," and 
kept a store in it. He afterward moved to Ohio, returning in a year or two, 
and was for several years sui)erintendent of the Humphreysville Manufac- 
turing Co's Papermili, living in the house close by. His wife was a daughter 
of Dea. Bradford Steele. The house afterward owned by William Kinne>, 
was built by Jones. He afterward nmved to Erie and died there. Ezekiel 
Gilbert had kept a store below Squantuck on the river road, but about this 
time he came to Humphreysville and kept the tavern on Broad street about 
two years, when he built the store now kept by H. W. Randall. Moshier 



70 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

then moved back into the hotel and occnpied it until his death. While Gilbert 
was in the hotel Moshier lived in Mrs. Bliss' house, corner of north Main 
and Day streets, and built the paper mill. 

In 1831, George Kirtland on behalf of the Methodist Society paid $110 
for the land for tlie parsonage, including the place now owned by Evan 
Llewellyn, corner of Pearl and Grand streets, and the lot on the opposite 
corner now owned by Edwin Smith, Grand street not having been opened 
until many years after. The parsonage was built the following year. 

The Humphreysville Manufacturing Co. commenced the work of paper- 
making in May with four employes, Chester Jones, Wm. Bates, Jane Patcheu 
and Lois Thomson; but increased the number during the month to sixteen. 

In 1832 business was prosperous and local industries remunerative. The 
Humphreysville Manufacturing Co. employed 18 hands and the 10th of April 
commenced running night and day, making ])aper for the New Haven 
Palladium and other papers. The mill produced not only news but tissue and 
colored papers. 

Bethany was incorporated as a town in this year, having previously been 
a parish of Woodbridge. 

At this time the store and house, corner of Pearl and Hill streets were 
occupied by David Sanford, and Lyman Smith kept the store across the road, 
in a building since removed. Sanford was called "Pitchfork Sanford." Years 
before he kept the blacksmith shop on the Woodbridge road, and one day in 
an altercation he killed a man with a pitchfork. Sanford was tried, branded 
and made to wear a cord around his neck the remainder of his life. 

Butter sold at fourteen cents a pound and oak wood at three dollars a 
cord. Factory girls paid $1.12^ per week for board. A horse and wagon 
could be hired to go to New Haven for one dollar. These were fair samples 
of the prices of those times and illustrate the comparative purchasing value of 
a dollar then and now. 

A "Caravan of Wild Beasts" exhibited near Moshier's tavern, in the 
summer of 1834 and excited considerable interest, being probably the first 
exhibition of the kind which ever passed through the village. 

There was a great tlood Jan. 31st, 1835, overflowing the lowlands, but 
doing no great damage. May 4th was the annual training day and a general 
holiday in the village. 

The hard times of 1837, following years of prosperity and undue specu- 
lation, when the banks of New York and New Orleans alone failed to the 
amount of a hundred and lifty million of dollars, could but seriously affect 
the fortunes of Humphreysville, though far less in proportion than larger 
places generally, which had launched more deeply into the tide of inflation. 
Most of the factories and shops continued their work, though compelled for a 
time by a lack of a reliable circulating medium to do business principally by 
barter. The Humphreysville Manufacturing Co. however reduced its em- 
ployes to seven, and May Gth stopped entirely until the 9th of October, and 
the Cotton Factory shut down and remained idle until January 10th, 18,38. 

At this time there were three auger factories in the village, as follows : 

Raymond French, Blueville, where Rubber factory now stands. 

Gilbert & Wooster, forges in Bennett Wooster's blacksmith shop, east 
of row of maples shown in cut on page 07, tiling room in the south part of 
Gilbert's building on the corner of Main and Hill streets, and finishing room 
under the sawmill shown in cut of Humphreysville. 

Walter French, near house now occupied by Warren French. 

Wm. Burritt, now living in Waterbury, carried on the stove and tinware 




VIEW OF THE CENTER IN 1838. 



FROM BARBEU'S HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS. 



^^KYMOUR AND VICINITY. 71 

business in the Lyuiun Smith Buihliiig, as successor to Burritt cV Lewis, 
whose store and shop was in the AVheeh'r Iiuihlini,% at the foot of Falls Hill. 
The firm had been dissolved in the fall of 1S30, Edward Lewis ^om^ to 
Birminirham, where he still continues in the same business. In the spriny: of 
1S31) Burritt removed to Norwalk. Henry liradley was then learnini^ his 
trade with liurritt, and went with him to Norwalk to complete his engage- 
ment, returning a few years later to jjursue the same ])usiness with JM. Brad- 
ley, now in Westville, under the firm name of H. & M. Bradley. 

The merchants of the place were — Ezekiel (Jilbert, store adjoining his 
house, corner of Main and Hill streets; Wakeman & Stoddard^ (Lri and 
Thomas,) store in Kinney's Building ; and Andrew DeForest, store in the 
building now kept by My. llandall. Ezekiel Gilbert afterward sold out to 
Humphrey & Wooster. 

Jeremiah Coggswell, an Indian, was shot on Great Hill Jan. 3()th, 1.S.'38, 
by James Driver, in the house of the latter. From the evi(Unice at tlie ex- 
amination held at .Aloshier's tavern three days after it appeared that Coggswell 
was drunk and quarrelsome, and was killed in self-defence. 

There was a great Hood Jan. 7tli, and considerable damage doni; to the 
paper-mill and other property. 

Ifaymond French's auger factory was burned on the night of the 15th 
of July, 1841, but with characteristic energy he soon rebuilt. 

iMiles Culver built a house on the upper })lains. He was a valuable 
member of the Congi-egational Church and also opened his doors to the 
Methodist ministers, services being frequently held in his house by lievs. 
Oliver Sykes and Sylvester Smith. 

The Humphroysville Graveyard Association was organized in 1842. 
Anything relating to the last resting places of so many of our deceased rela- 
tives and friends must always be an object of mournful interest and no apology 
is needed for copying here the concise preamble and articles of association 
from the Derby Kecords, Vol. 32, page 51. 

"Whereas, B. W. Smith, Samuel Bassett and 93 others formed an Asso- 
ciation for the purpose of establisliiug a Village Grave Yard, and through C!lark 
Wooster, Joshua Kendall and^\'ales French, a committee of trust, did purchase 
on the 2Gth day of Sept. 1842, one certain tract of land situattid in l)erby at 
Humphreysville bounded and described as follows, viz: Westerly on highway, 
southerly on land of Sarah Holbrook and .lohn Lindley, easterly on the Nauga- 
tuck Biver, northerly on land of John Lindley, containing two and a half 
acres — now therefore for the well ordering of the aftairs of said Association, 
and acting under the original articles of agreement, and in accordance with 
an act of the General Assembly of this state entitled an act concerning Bury- 
ing Grounds and places of Sepulture, approved June 2, 1842, do for ourselves 
and successors form a body politic and corporate under the following articles 
of Association, viz: — 

Art. 1st. This Association shall be called and known by the name of the 
Humphreysville Grave Yard Association. 

Art. 2nd. The tract of Land described in the foregoing preamble is hereby 
appropriated to be forever used and occupied as a graveyard, and for no other 
purpose, and each original proprietor thereof in consideration of three dollars 
paid by him or her shall be entitled to one family lot in said Grave Yard 12 
by 21 feet, and the surplus of ground shall be held in common by this 
Association and may be disposed of in such manner as the Association shall 
from time to time direct. 



72 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

Art. 3rd. No Proprietor shall at any one and the same time hold in his 
own right more than five family lots in s^ Grave Yard. 

Art. 4th. This Association shall at any meeting called for that purpose 
have power to lay taxes and order the collection thereof for tlie purpose of 
defraying all needful expenses for repairs and improvements, provided that 
each proprietor shall he taxed according to his right title and interest in said 
Grave Yard. " B. W. Smith, 

Samuel Bassett, 
Humphreysville, Dec. 14th, 1842. BuRiTT Hitchcock. 

Curtis Randall, who died Oct. 2nd, 1842, was the Hrst to be buried in 
the new grave yard. 

The Humphreysville Manufacturing Co. sold their paper-mill to Hodge 
& Co. Aug. 17th, 1843. The firm consisted of G. L. Hodge, S. Y. Beach 
and Samuel Roselle. Rev. Moses Blydenburg, pastor of the M. E, Church, 
lived on Great Hill, the Great Hill M. E. Church being then in a prosperous 
condition. The son of this zealous laborer in his Master's vineyard is now a 
prosperous lawyer in New Haven. 

In '42 and '43 Anson G. Phelps and others talked of building a dam at 
Bryant's Plain and taking tlie water on the west side to Birmingham. Parties 
along the line of the proposed canal generally were willing to sell at fair 
prices, but one, a Mr, Booth, who owned considerable land in tlie proposed 
line, demanded such an exhorbitant price that the project was dropped for 
the time. Mr. Phelps, however, made considerable pui'chases on the east 
side of the river in and above what is now Ansonia, evidently preparing in a 
very quiet way for the execution of some important undertaking which he 
was not fully prepared to announce. 

In 1844, Raymond French, John Dwight and Timothy Dwight, under 
the firm name of Raymond French & Co., were manufacturing angers, 
chisels, plane irons, &c., in their mill at Blueville, and finding their business 
increasing beyond the capacity of the mill, they put up additional machinery 
in the building at the mouth of Little River, Looking about for increased 
facilities Mr. French went to "Kinneytown" and called on Sheldon Church, 
who owned considerable land along the river, and together they rowed up and 
down the stream, noticing the surroundings and capacity of the stream. 
Returning down the stream he noticed a ledge of rocks in the bed of the river. 
Stepping out of the boat into the water, which, was perhaps three feet in depth, 
he walked across, to ascertain the extent of the ledge. Finding it aftbrded a 
rock bottom nearly the whole width of the stream he immediately determined 
that he would build a dam there. Mr. F. immediately bought a large tract 
of land on both sides of the river and work commenced without delay, to the 
great surprise of the people in the village below, who tlius saw the fruit plucked 
while they were talking about it. In a few days Mr. Phelps came up and in 
his blandest manner congratulated Mr. French on his enterprise, and wished 
him success. After that not a week elapsed during the buildiug of the dam 
but that Mr. Phelps came up to note the progress made. As the work pro- 
gressed Mr. French found tliat the rock extended the whole width of the 
river, making a sure foundation ready for the superstructure. The bend at 
the west end was made to follow a turn of the rock. When the dam neared 
completion Mr. Phelps claimed a portion of the power on the ground of his 
owning so much land on either side where there was a tall below the dam. 
Mr. F. had however acquired suificint land on the west side, as he supposed, 
to answer his pui^pose, either by actual deed or promise. Capt. Philo Holbrook 



KSH-7] ai:YM(JUK A^'iJ VlCi:SlTV. 73 

liad not yet giveu a deed, and probably without thinking df the etlect, 
was induced to sell to Mr. Phelps for a triliing sum the right to (low a small 
stream back on his land. Mr. ¥. Imaring of "this went below llulbrook and 
made a purchase of AVilliani Church, from the river to the hill, and Phelps 
was checkmated. The result was that Phelps linally purchased the dam 
and aitpurtenances Dec. 5th, 1844, (D. It., \^ol. .'il', p. a;5-.j.>,) and K. French 
»S: Co. built the brick shops on the west side of Main street. 

AVilliam Bulliim purchased the cotton mill from the llumphreysville 
Manufacturing Co. July 1st, 1845, for $12,000 and the payment of $300 
annually. The purchase included land 100 by 132 feet, being 50 feet on the 
front and rear, and 10 feet at each end of the mill, "with sufficient water to 
drive the water wheel in a reasonable manner for the i)urpose of j)ropelling 
uuichinery to an amount suitable to the capacity of the wheel, using the 
water advantageously and economically," c\:c. J). II., Vol. o2, j), !)S, lie 
carried on the business until 11. French it Co. sold their mill in Blueville to 
DeForest & Hodge, Oct. 31st, 1845, for $5,000. D. P., Vol. :i:\ p. 87. 
Portions of this property had been purchased by French cV I'lison of J. C. 
Wlu-eler, Nov. 21st, 1830, and Nov. 12th, 1840 ; and of Passett cV Smith 
Oct. 27th, 1843. 

Some of the tradesmen of the place were — llobert J. Abbott, Apothecary 
and Druggist; David B. Clark, tavernkeepeer; John S. Moshier, tavern- 
keeper; Harrison Tonilinson, general country store; Pansom Tomlinson, 
dealer in meat, &c. 

The first number of the Derby Journal a])peared Dec. 25tli, 1840, and 
contained the following appeal to the people of the Naugatuck Valley to aid 
in the construction of the Naugatuck railroad. 

"The New York and New Haven Railroad Co. have contracted for tlie construction of their 
road, which is to be completed within the coming year. 

This road will cross the llousatonic river a short distance above the present Washington Bridge, 
and from this point to Waterbury is probably from 25 to 28 miles. By following the Valley of the 
Naugatuck from Waterbury, or some point above, to where that stream unites with the Housatonic, 
and thence en the bank of that river to where the line intersects the New York road, a very easy 
grade would be obtained, and at a very moderate expenditure. An act of incorporation for tliis road 
was obtained in \84!^), with power to commence at Plymouth or Waterbury, and to terminate at New 
Haven, Milford or Bridgeport, after passing through Derby. 

* " * ■ Much more might be said of the wants of the Naugatuck Valley, as well as of its 
resources, its busmess, its large amount of yet unused water-power, and its enterprise, but my present 
object is to direct attention to the subject, hoping that those more conversant with it will engage in 
the cause, and especially our northern friends." Huniphreysville responded by subscribing $ 10,1)00. 

The Mexican War created quite an excitement here and the Humph 
reysville Greys volunteered their services to the government to aid Cen. 
Taylor. The official document to muster them into service was received on 
the evening of Jan. 27th and read in the armory of the Huniphreysville 
Greys, amidst much enthusiasm. The principal officers of the company were 
G. W. Divine, Captain ; (Jharles W. Storrs, 1st Lieutenant ; Wilson Wyaut, 
2nd Lieutenant ; W. W. Smith, Orderly Sergeant. The armory was over 
Ezekiel (Jilbert's store and Mr. (lilbert came out and said, — "Zach. was 
whipped at one time, but he didn't know it and went on and contjuered, and 
he w ill be our next president." And he was, but for some reason the com- 
pany did not go to Mexico. Capt. Divine had served in the Florida War, 
and Capts. Wyaut and Smith afterward did efficient service in the utir of tin- 
rebellion. Clark Ford, now a resident of Seymour, was in the 0th New 
England Regiment, (Thomas H. Seymoiu', Col.) and is said to have pulled down 
the Mexican colors at Chapultepec. George N. Shelton, who was for many 
yeais a resident of Seymour and engtiged in various enterprises here, w ;is 



74 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. [1847 

appointed Adjutant General by the Governor in May, 1847. Ransom Gay- 
lord, a lawyer from Massachusetts, who had been teaching the Shrub Oak 
school, went to Waterbury and there enlisted as a private. 

The Congregational Church was commenced in 1846, (vide, page 13,) 
and dedicated April 20th, 1847. 

Daniel White represented Humphreysville this year in the board of 
selectmen of the town of Derby. 

There were three heavy freshets in the spring of 1847, viz: Feb. 3rd 
and 8th, and March 20th. 

The firm of French, Swift & Co. was formed in 1847, and April 5th, 
they bought the property on Little Eiver, now owned by Henry B. Beecher, 
of James L. Spencer for $1,800. The firm consisted of Warren French, 
Charles Swift, John F. Marsliall, Lemuel Bliss, H. B. Beecher and H. A. 
Kadford, who were spoken of as the "six partners." A farther purchase was 
made from Clark Wooster Dec. 17th. 

A union Sunday school celebration of the Congregational, Episcopal and 
Methodist churches was held the first Thursday in September. The West- 
ville and Bethany Sunday schools were also invited and a grand holiday was 
the result. 

The upper dam was commenced this year by French & Dwiglit, and the 
west abutment and wall were built. ' 

The works of French, Swift & Co. caught fire Dec. Gth, in the finishing 
room, and the flames spread rapidly but were subdued after considerable dam- 
age had been done. 

Albert J. Steele sold his furniture and undertaking business Dec. 20tli, 
1847, to Johnson & Bassett, David Johnson selling out to E. F. Bassett a 
year later. The salesroom was in the building in the south angle of Main 
and Hill streets, M'ith a shop on the west side of Hill street, a little above, 
and another with power in the rear of the sawmill, near the falls. Five 
years later Mr. Bassett put up the building on the east side of Hill street for 
a shop and salesroom. 

Phonography and phonotopy was taught by Charles Eandall and the 
study was quite popular among the young folks. 

Among the members of the Humphreysville Lyceum which met in the 
basement of the Congregational Church in the winter of 1847-8, was Dr. 
Yale, a botanic physician, who went to California in the time of the gold 
excitement, and died there. The name of the Lyceum was changed to "the 
Humphreysville Literary Association. Luzon P. Morris was the president. 
Among the leading members were J. Kendall, John W. Storrs, John L. 
Daniels, Clement A. Sargent, George W. Divine and Henry Eussell. 

The cornerstone of the M. E. Church was laid June 19th, 1847, and the 
church was dedicated Jan. 18th, 1848. .The following description of the 
church was published in the Derby Journal of Feb. 3rd : 

The house is Gothic iii design, 40 by CO feet in dimensions, with a basement al- 
most entirely above ground containing a commodious lecture-room and two class- 
rooms. It baa an excellent toned bell of 1,150 pounds weight. The slips, the ceiling, 
tlie altar and the galleries are grained: the scrolls on the slips are of black walnut. 
The base on the pulpit is painted in imitation of Egyptian marble, and the pulpit 
Sienna marble. The walls, above and below, are frescoed. The ascent from the base- 
ment to the vestibule, and from thence to the galleries, is by a spiral staiis in the 
steeple and turret. The windows in front, as also those in the steeple and turret, are 
of stained glass. The sofa, chairs and table, together with the columns for the pulpit 



1347] fcJEYMOUK AND VICINITY. 75 

lamps are of black walnut. The cost of the bHiUlinf; is about tive thousaud dollars. 
In the afteruoon of the day of dedication the slips were rented, and the Trustees will 
realize about $600 therefrom. 

Mr. Hotchkiss, of Birmingham, was the architect ; and ho is justly deserviug of 
credit for the plan of the building — the proper proportion and beautiful symmetry of 
which, favorably impress almost every beholder. The writer of this is authorized to 
say that the building committee and trustees ef the church take great pleasure in 
giving publicity to the feeling of entire satisfaction which they entertain in reference 
to those who have been employed in erecting the house— by the manner in which 
they have acquitted themselves. 

To the BuihUr, Mr. Amos Hiue, of Woodbridge, who has shown himself to bo 
both competent and faithful. While engaged in the construction of the house, he 
has apparently ideutilied himself with the interests of those by whom ho was employed. 

To the Afasuns, Mr. Jerry Bassett and Mr. Isaac Davis, both of this village, the 
former for the neat and substantial wall of the basement, together with the steps, 
both of which are pronounced second to none in this region ; the latter, who has done 
himself great credit by the manner in which the walls were finished, in the plastering 
and frescoiug, above and below. 

To the Painter, Mr, Martin, also of this village, who iu the external painting and 
sauding of the house, together with the iuternal work, has shown himself master of 
his business. — The work upon the pulpit was done at his own suggestion and expense, 
and is considered to bo in excellent taste, presenting a beautiful contrast with the 
baae, as well as the other parts of the house. 

The trustees and members of the church take great pleasure in acknowledging 
the donation of the beautiful black walnut table, valued at twenty-six dollars, pre- 
sented by Mr. Albert J. Steele, of this village, the workmanship of Mr. David John- 
sou, also of this village. 

Great praise is also due to the ladies connected with the "Female Aid Society" 
of this church, and others who have assisted in the work, for the neat and taateful 
manner in which they have furnished the church. — The carpets, the trimmings of the 
pulpit, the sofa, the chairs for the altar; together with the lamps, are the result of 
their labors, and speak much for their zeal and diligence in the cause. 

While the members connected with this church congratulate themselves in 
Iiaving by the good baud of God, so comfortable a place in which to worship the God 
of their fathers, they are not insensible to the feeling of kindness and good will which 
has prompted members of the sister church to lend a helping hand in this enterprise. 
May the good Lord reward them an hundred fold, in spiritual blessings. C. S. 

The strip of land west of the church, now surrounded by rows of ehns 
and maples, was deeded to the Society, Oct. 31st, 1848, by Kev. Sylvester 
Smith. D. K,, Vol. 35, page 215. 

"Comnienciiig at a point on the line of the highway at the corner of the land this day 
deeded to Medad K. Tucker, and runniny easterly on sd highway line ;?iY(j ''^''^ ^^ ""' '"'^ of 
this grantee, thence southerly on sd grantee's line li^^^j rods to a point on Bennett Woostefs 
line close by a maple tree, thence running the south side of sd tree un sd Bennett U'ooster's 
line Sy^^Ojj rods, thence northerly on Medad K. Tucker's line to the place of beginning, said last 
mentioned line being Uy^a rods, containing an area of 43 rods, hereby saving and reserving 
to myself the fee simple of sd land after the sd church shall fail to sustain a meeting house 
where their house now stands, hereby only granting the use of sd land to sd church so long as 
the same shall remain in the control and direction of the trustees of sd church during the 
time aforesaid solely for the aceommodation of the Methodist E. Society of Humjjhreyscille 
and when the sd Society ceases to maintain sd church in the place where it now stands, then 
sd land is to revert to this Grantor, his heirs and asuigns." 



70 SEYMOUR AKD VICINITY. [1847 

The subject of temperance was prominent at this time and the Hiimph- 
reysville Total Abstinence Society had been organized for the purpose of 
liolding temperance meetings and in various ways advancing the temperance 
cause. Mr. Isaac Losee, Sen., was the President of the Society in 1847. 
There were at this time five liquor-selling establishments in the place. lu 
April of this year the officers of the Total Abstinence Society were John L. 
IJaniels, President ; Joshua Kendall and Julius Bassett, Vice-presidents ; 
John W. Storrs, Secretary and Treasurer ; William Tuthill, James L. Spen- 
cer and Charles Swift, Standing Committee. 

The other Temperance Association, Rock Spring Division, No. 12, S. of 
T., was in a flourishing condition. In January its officers were : — John W. 
Storrs, W. P. ; Daniel I. Putnam, W. A. ; William ^Y. Steele, R. S. ; John 
Adams, A. R. S. ; William B. Curtiss, F. S. ; James A. Stephens, C. ; 
David Tucker, A. C. ; Charles Swift, I. S. ; Perry Cadwell, O. S. In the 
fall they were— John W. Storrs, P. W. P. ; D. J. Putnam, W. P. ; J. A. 
Stevens, W. A. ; John Adams, R. S. ; James L. Spencer, A. R. S. ; W. B. 
Curtiss, F. S. ; Wilson Wyant, T. ; David Tucker, C. ; Austin R. Pardee, 
A. C. ; Wilson Ilendryx, I. S. ; Edwin Wheeler, O. S. 

The New Haven Courier in February contained the following in regard 
to the proposed Naugatuck Railroad, the building of M^hich was commenced 
in April : 

No business mau can doubt but that tbo trade of 20 or 30,000 people is wortb 
obtaining, or tbat it vvoukl be desirable to bave this city a depot for the live millions 
wortb of manufactured goods annually produced iu tbat region. But tbo present 
trade of tbat valley is notbing, absolutely botbing, to wbat ii will, and must, be wbeu 
communication is opened by means of a railroad. We have the authority of the State 
Surveyor for saying, tbat the facilities for manufacturing on the Naugatuck are 
greater than on auy otiier stream in the State, and these facilities are not as yet half 
or quarter improved. Besides the Naugatuck, there is an unimproved power on the 
Housatouic, at Birmingham, more than twice as great as all the power at Lowell, and 
capitalists already have their eyes upon this, and it will be improved. 

The Saturday before May 25th, there was a tremendous hailstorm ac- 
companied by terrific thunder and lightning and torrents of rain. The groimd 
was literally covered with hailstones, many of which were as large as pigeons 
eggs. As described by a writer of the scene, "It seemed for a few moments 
as if all Iceland had been broken up and was being showered down on our 
devoted heads." One horse was so frightened that he ran, throwing out its 
driver, who was seriously injured. Other horses were so stupefied with fear 
that it was with great difficulty that their drivers could urge them to places 
of shelter. 

Leverett Pritchard died June 4th, in the 83rd year of his age. He had 
"been an inhabitant of the town from his infancy, and his character ever 
remained unspotted, so much so that his morality had become proverbial. 
From his door the friendless were never spurned, and from his bounty the 
hungry were fed and the naked clothed. In him the needy and destitute 
found a friend."— (Derby Journal.) 

The Thursday before June 15th two men were covered by a landslide 
about a mile above the village, where workmen were engaged in making ex 
cavations for the railroad. One of them was not found until life was extinct. 
The railroad bridge across the Naugatuck was built under contract by Dw ight 
& French. 

The new hall of Rock Spring Division, at the west end of the Nauga- 
tuck Bridge, was dedicated on the Friday evening before the ICth of October. 



1848-49] . SEYMOUK AND VK UNITY. 77 

(Jeurge AV. liinijfay was tlii' principal speaker and a poem was read hv Joliu 
W. Storrs. 

On Tuesday evening, Aug. 1st, 1848, (longli made a powerful t('nii)er- 
ance speech in the IM. E. Church, aiul on ^Monday and Wednesday evenings 
of the same week he lectured in the (Vtngregatioual Church. 

The telegraph canu' following (dose upon the railroad, and in November 
was in operation. 

In this year Mr. Hyde from Oxford, N. Y., called to see his native 
])lace after an absence of thirty-four years. His lather had been drowned in 
the Housatonic Kiver. His mother was buried in the JMethodist cemetery. 
His brother Abijali Hyde was then living in Quaker Farms. Orson Hyde, 
the ^Mormon, was a brother of these. The old homestead was in the corner 
of the lot opposite Cedar llidge school house, now owned by .Judge iMunson. 
The Hydes were remarkai)le for their good memories. Abijah and his brother 
from York state were Methodists, and the York state man lias sons who have 
been noted as scholars in the ^f. K. Church. 

A young man named IMtt was killed Nov. lltli, 1848, near llie Ib-ll 
schot)l house, by the bursting of a cannon which was being Hred in honor of 
the election of General Taylor to the ])residency. 

Most of the nuxples near the M. E. Church were set out Oct. 28th, 1848, 
by Eev. Sylvester Smith and his sou. Two had been set out on the west side 
of the church some years before by Alva Davis. 

Lewis Bunce lost about $4,000 by the burning of his papermill, Dec. 23, 
1848. Stock to the anu)uut of $07.") was saved and he received $1,325 
insurance. 

The Kimmon paper Co. seems then to have been organized, as the 1). 
1*., Vol. 32, page 300, under date of Jan. 27tli, 1849, refers to machinery of 
the mill which was destroyed by fire and states that tlie Comi)any has a paid 
in capital of $5,100. The stock was taken as follow s : Andrew W. DeForest, 
00 shares; Burritt Hitchcock, GO shares; l^jli Hayes, 30 shares; Horace 
liiley, 12 shares; James H. Bidwell, 30 shares; James AN'allace, 20 shares; 
A. W. DeForest, Agt., 10 shares; total, 240 shares. Burritt Hitchcock, 
president ; A. W. DeForest, secretary. Bunce continued in <'.harge of the 
mill which was located near the mouth of Little Kiver, where the Douglass 
Manufacturing Co's lower shop now is. 

The establishment of Humjjhreysville Academy is best recorded by 
(|Uotiug from ilie prosi)ectus issued at the time. 

HIDI FHBFYSVILLE ACADEMY^, 

IIUMPIIKIOYSVILLE. CONN., 
i.KuKGE JJ. liLKNDININCI, A. M., and MRS. NANCY II. GLENUININU, Pki.ncii-ai.s. 

The selection of Iluiiiplircysville foi- an Aoadeiuic Institution, has been made not more with 
icferciK^e to tlie place itself than to a wide tract of the surrounding country, for which there havi,- 
icenii'd tf lie educational demands. 

Located in the romantic valley of the Naugatuck, llumphreysville is peculiarly healthy; 
and distant only ten miles from New Haven, sixteen from IJridgeport, and eighty from New York— 
w itli all of which places it is connected hy a railroad soon to he in operation, it is most easily accessible. 

For the youth of the place and the country around it, u higher institution of Warning has ap 
peared to be needed ; at the same time regard has been had youth of the cities, for whom there may 
be here furnished, in connection witli educational facilities at the most moderate rates, the safest 
guarantees for health and morals. The course of instruction to be pursued in Academy is designed to 
meet the wants of pupils of both sexes, and of various ages and destination. Whatever the pupils 
■^hall iiriifi-sK to leavii they will be roiiuireil to learn //loroi/j/Zi/j/— sii]icrlicial attainments being 



78 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. [1849 

regarded as of little worth. * * » Instruction will be given in all the branches of an English 
education; in the Classics — Latin and Greek; in French and Music. * * * 

The Principals trust to the fruits of their labors so to commend them as to gain for their 
Academy an extended patronage. At their commencement they ofl'er their qualifications, experience 
in teaching and devotion to the work, as pledges to satisfy such as may commit pupils to their charge. 
In addition they may refer to the Rev. W. F. Walker, Rector of Union Church, Ilumphreysville, 
who has known them for many years in their office as teachers; to the principal inhabitants of Troy, 
N. Y., where for nine years they taught successfully; to the trustees of Cayuga Academy, Aurora, 
New York, of which Mr. G. was more than two years Principal; to Professor Mills of New York 
city, and to Professor Berteau of Brooklyn, L. I., in whose institution Mr. G. was more than two 
years professor of Belles Lettres. Ilumphreysville, Feb. 22nd, 1849. 

Speaking of Glentlining's Academy the Derby Journal said, "The 
natural and picturesque scenery with which Ilumphreysville abounds, and the 
quietness of the village, render it exceedingly well adapted for the location 
of an institution of the kind." 

The new comers were immediately received with ftivor. In May the 
Academy had already forty-seven pupils. 

Buflfum's Cotton Factory took fire Feb. 22nd, but the flames were sup- 
pressed before any great damage was done. Loss about $200. Insured. A 
portable fire engine which was kept in the building was made to render good 
service, the water being carried from the "canal" to the reservoir of the engine 
in pails and then forced in a stream against the building. 

In March Nathan White made an engraving of the village, which was 
spoken of by the Derby Journal as "very prettily gotten up and giving an 
accurate idea of the place." 

There were in operation one cotton factory, three paper mills, French & 
Dwight's large establishment for the manufacture of augers, plane irons and 
other edge tools ; also three other auger factories and one ax factory. 
A large building was being erected for the construction of cars. 

Thm-sday evening. Mar. 15th, about 9 o'clock, French & Dwight's ma- 
chine shop was found to be on fire and was burned with all its contents. The 
shop was an old wooden one and was w^ell stocked with tools, patterns, &c. 
Loss from $2,000 to $3,000. It stood on the east side of the canal where is 
now the tinning shop of the N. H. Copper Co. 

John J. Kider was licensed as taverner and all licenses to sell spirituous 
liquors were refused. Jacob Carter lectured on temperance Feb. 12th. 
Julius Bassett sailed for California Jan. 23rd. 

Joshua Kendall, D. G. W, P., installed the officers of Rock Spring Di- 
vision Jan. 13th, as follows : William B. Curtiss, W. P. ; John Adams, 
AV. A. ; John W. Storrs, R. S. ; William Hughes, A. R. S. ; Edward F. 
Bassett, F. S. ; Henry Patterson, C. ; Alonzo T. Smith, A. C. ; Edward 
Hotchkiss, I. S. ; E. Gainsby, O. S. 

In April, Joshua Kendall was elected representative for the town of Derb\ . 

The first locomotive came to Humphreysville on Thursday afternoon. 
May 10th, 1849; and the first passenger train on the following Monday, 
May, 14th. 

Wilson Weston had his left hand and arm severely mangled June 28th, 
by the shears for cutting iron and steel, in the works of the Humphreysville 
Manufacturing Co. 

The Rimmon dam was commenced this summer by Dwight & French. 

The society of the "Daughters of Temperance" was instituted in August. 

Friday, Dec. 14th, William B. Watson's horse was killed by a loco- 
motive and his stage broken up. 



1849-50] SEYMOUR AND VlOlNlTY. 79 

lu June the small pox was prevalent in Blueville, the dreaded disease 
having been brought in rags to the papenuill. 

Village Directory in 1849. 

Alopathic Physkiuns, Joshua Kendall, S. C.Johnson, Thomas Stoddard. 

Attorney^ H. B. Munson. 

Augers and hit manufacturers^ Dwiglit & French ; French, Swift Hi 
Co. ; and Hiram Upson. 

Ax manufacturer, Clark Wooster. 

Boot and slioe dealer, AVilliam Hull. 

Botanic Physician, J. D. A. Yale. 

Clergymen, Congregational, William B. Curtiss; Episcopal, William F. 
Walker ;' Methodist, Charles Stearns; Baptist, William J>eniiison. 

Cotton manufacturers, William Bufllum, shirtings, 500,000 yds. yearly, 
consuming fifty tons of cotton, and running 54 looms. Forty-one persons 
employed. Sherman & Beardsley were manufacturing stocking yarn, liutting 
twine and carpet warp. 

Druggists, James Davis, Eobert J. Abbott. 

Furniture manufacturers and dealers, Johnson & Bassett. 

Harness maker, Isaac N. Martin. 

Justice of the Peace, Albert J. Steele. 

John Moshier kept the only livery stable, in connection with the tavern. 

Merchants, Lvman Smith,"^ Lucius Blacknian, Downs & Sanford, Harri- 
son Tomlinson, Elias Hotchkiss, Humphrey & Wooster, Tuttle & J">assett, 
and Lucius Tuttle. 

Paper maJcers, DeForest & Hodge, manufactured 480,000 lbs. prnitnig 
paper yearly ; Lewis Bunce, manufactured printing paper, clothiers' boards 
and press paper; Smith & Bassett, manufactured wrapping, straw and 
button boards. 

Stove and tinware dealers, E. Lewis & Co. 

Tailors, J. A. Stevens, Charles W. Storrs. 

The Humphreysville Copper Co. was organized in 1849 with a capital 
stock of $40,000. The first issue of stock was forty shares to S. C. Johnson, 
Jan. 23rd. The proposal to establish a coppermill here was first made by 
Isaac Nathans to Raymond French. Mr. F. went to New York and made 
in(iuiries in regard to the manufacture of copper, prices of stock and manu- 
factured goods, etc., and becoming satisfied that the business was then a 
protitable'one, returned and organized the company. .1. W. D wight was the 
first president of the company. The directors, 1^'eb. 8th, were— Raymond 
French, Harrison Tomlinson, George Rice and Sheldon Kinney. D. R., 
\ol. 32, page 309. 

In the spring of 1850 there was quite an exciting time over the election. 
The i)ostiuaster, Mr. Lum, had recently died and Rev. Samuel Hickox was 
talked of as successor, but John \V. Storrs was finally appointed. The de 
cisiou being partly a party matter, aided by religious preferences and preju 
dices, it became evident in March that the matter would considerably at!ect 
the spring election. Thomas Burlock of Ansonia was nominated by the 
whigs and Rev. Svlvester Smith of Humphreysville by the democrats. The 
election was held in the basement of the Congregational Church in Hum- 
phreysville. The friends of the defeated candidate for postmaster rallied tor 
Rev. Svlvester Smith, and while Mr. Burlock confidently expected a majority 
uf 125,' ]\Ir. S. received a majority of 20. Burlock was a great politician, 



80 yEYMOUK AND V]ClNlTi\ [1850 

and to be beaten by a local preacher antl a papermaker, was no less a surprise 
than the success of the democratic ticket in a strong wliig town. 

The subject of dividing the town had not been agitated until after this 
election, but now it quickly became prominent. Messrs. Dwight and French 
led in the movement and Judge Munson was active in its advocacy. Why 
no one i»roposed the name of Humphrey for the new town, we have been 
unable to learn. The bill to grant the petition was prepared and printed with 
the name "Richmond," but before it was put on its passage Judge Munson 
came to Mr. Smith and suggested the name "Seymour." Mr. S. replied, 
"It is short, our Governor and the Speaker of the House have that name, 
and it is an eminent name in Connecticut, and we will have it the name of 
our town." The bill was so amended and passed. Following is a copy uf the 

^Intrfeif of' the ^own af ^miwur, 

General Assembly, May tSesslon, A. i>., 1850. 

Upon the petition of Leman Chatfield and others praying for the incoi-- 
poratlon of a new town, as will fully and at large appear by tlieir petition on 
iile, dated the th day of April, 1850, which petition has been duly servt^d 
upon the town of Derby and was duly returned to and entered in the office ul 
the Secretary of this State according to law. 

Resolved by this Assembly. That all that part of the town ut" 
Derby lying northerly of the following described line, to wit: commencing at 
the Housatonic River, thence running easterly in a straight line touching the 
most northerly point of Martin B. Bassett's stone building on the east bank of 
said river, thence running easterly in the same straight line to the north side 
of the dwelling house now occupied by said Martin B. Bassett, thence in a 
straight line easterly to the stone bridge in the highway, about twenty -five 
rods westerly of the house occupied by Pearl Car))enter, thence from said 
bridge folloAving down the brook that runs under said bridge, till it empties 
into the Xaugatuc^k River, thence from the mouth of said brook easterly, in 
a straiglit line to the intersection of the line dividing the town of Wood- 
bridge from the town of Derby with the centre line of the Rimmon Falls 
Turnpike road ; with all the inhabitants residing therein, be, and the same 
hereby are incoiporated into a distinct town by the name of Seymour, and tlit- 
inhabitants aforesaid, and their successors forever, residing within said limits 
shall have and enjoy all the powers, ])rivileges and immunities ^vhich are 
enjoyed by other towns in this State, \\itli the privilege of sending one repre- 
sentative to the (ieneral Assembly of this State. 

Said new town shall support all bridges within their bounds, (excei)t such 
as belong to turnpike companies or other corporations or individuals to suppoi-t) 
and lie released from supporting any bridges without the limits of said new 
town; shall pay and jierfonii their proportion of the present debts and liabilities 
of J)erby, and be allowed the same proportion of its credits, including the lik. 
proportion of the town deposit fund, and the same ])i'oportion of interest in the 
almshouse land; and shall take and su])i)ort their proportion of the present 
town poor of said town of Derby; the proportion of the said new town in all 
the respects aforesaid being as the list of that part of the new town talv*en from 
the town of Derby for the year 1849, bears to the whole list of Derby, in the 
same year ; and the selectmen of the said town of Derby and Seymour are 
hereby empo\\'ere(l to apportion and divide the present town poor, the debts. 



ls-)(>] SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. SI 

credits, towu funds and alius house laud aforesaid, according to the rule afore- 
said ; and in case they should not be able to agree, then such apportionment 
shall be nu\de by Samuel Meigs, Esquire, of Oxford, whose decision shall be 
Hual. And said town poor when so apportioned, shall be settled inhabitants 
for all i)urposes in the respective towns to which they are set and said new 
town shall be liable to maintain all such poor of the town from which it is 
taken, as are or may be absent therefrom ; ])rovided, such i)oor person or per- 
sons at the time of their departure belonged to the i)ortion of said t(»\»n of 
Derby hereby incorporated, or were residents therein as settled inhabitants at 
the time of such departure thei'efroin. 

Resolved further^ That the collector of town and state taxes of said 
Derby, be hereby authorized lo collect the several taxes already laid, in the 
same manner as though this act had not passed. 

Resolved farther^ That it shall be the duty of said new town to assume 
and perform the contracts and liabilities now subsisting between the town of 
Derby and any other person or persons for keejjiug in rejjair such portion of 
the roads of the old town of Derby as lie within the limits of said new towu, 
and to save the said old town from all expense therefrom. 

Resolved Juvther, That the mileage of the said toAvn of Seymour to 
Hartford be forty-hve miles, and to New Haven be eleven miles. 

Resolved further, That the tirst meeting of said town of Seymour shall 
be held on the fourth ]\Ionday of June, 1850, at the basement of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church at Humphreys Ville, in said town of Seymour ; and 
Lenian Chatfield, Esquire, (and in case of his failure to attend the same, 
Harris B. Munson, Esquire,) shall be moderator of said meeting; and said 
meeting shall be warned by setting up a notification of the same on a sigu 
post hereby established at the east end of the bridge over Naugatuck Iviver, 
at said Humphreys Ville, and at such other place or places as said persons 
or either of them deem proper, at least five days before said meeting. And 
said town of Seymour shall at said first meeting, have all the powers incident 
to other tow-ns in the State, aud full right to act accordingly, to elect towu 
officers ; aud the officers so elected at such meeting shall hold their offices 
until otliers are chosen and sworu in their stead. 

STATE OF CONNECTICUT, SS. ( I hereby certify that the foregoing 
Office of ^Secretary of State, J is a true copy of record in this olhce. 
In testimony whereof 1 have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Seal of 
said State, at Hartford, this 12th day of September, A. D., 1850. 

\ sKAL ( J NO. P. C. MATHEK, Secretary of State. 

January, 1850, was a remarkably warm month, and in the following 
month the snows were followed by heavy rains, raising the streams and caus- 
ing considerable danuige. In the freshet of Feb. 10th and 11th the lower 
bndge was considerably damaged and narrowly escaped being carried away. 
There was also a high Hood March 1st. 

The wat(;r lease of S. Y. Beach's i)apermill ex])iriug in this year, it was 
pulled down and removed to its present location on Bladen's brook. Paper- 
making was discontinued June 15th and resumed Sei»t. -ud. 

A town meeting was held .hiue L'lth in the basement of the M. E. Church, 
as provided by the charter, Leuuiu Chatiield presiding as moderator. The 
principal officers of the new town were as follows: 

Hoi brook, Thomas Cochran. 



82 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. [1850-52 

Toum Clerk, Charles B. Wooster ; Toivn Treasurer, Sylvester Smith, 

Grand Jurors, Burton W. Smith, Thomas Stoddard, George L. Hodge, 
Abel Holbrook, Charles L. Hyde, Walter B. Clark. 

Constables, George H. Merrick, Philo Beecher, Oliver H. Stoddard, 
Hiram P. Johnson, Roswell Humaston, John J. Rider. 

♦ Committee on Roads, Sheldon Kinney, Daniel L. Holbrook. 

TitMngmen, Church Society — Burton W. Smith, Sheldon Hurd, Isaac 
Lindley ; Methodist Society — John L. Hartson, Jarvis Polly ; Congregational 
Society— Medad K. Tucker, William H. Tuthill ; Baptist Society— Sharon 
Y. Beach, George L. Hodge ; Great Hill Methodist Society— William C. 
Smith, Roswell Humaston. 

The second town meeting was held in the basement of the Congrega- 
tional Church, Oct. 30th, 1850. Leman Chatfield, Daniel L. Holbrook and 
Thomas Cochran were elected selectmen ; Charles B. Wooster, town clerk ; 
and Burton W. Smith, town treasurer. 

At the electoi's' meeting held Mar. 31st, 1851, Bennett Wooster was 
elected the first representative of the Town of Seymour to the General 
Assembly. 

The Baptist Society was organized in March, 1848, Rev. William Den- 
nison, from White Hills, in charge. The church on Maple street was built 
in 1851. Tythingmen were last elected for the church in October, 1859. 

A union Sunday school festival was held Aug. 28th by the Baptist, 
Congregational, Episcopal and Methodist Sunday schools. 

At the annual town meeting held Oct. 6th, the selectmen, town clerk 
and treasurer were re-elected. 

At a special town meeting held in January, 1852, it was voted to build 
a new bridge over the Naugatuck, near Moshier's tavern, and Isaac B. Davis, 
Philo Holbrook and Raymond French were appointed building committee. 

At the spring election. Rev. Sylvester Smith was elected representative, 
receiving 217 of the 354 votes cast. The following persons were elected 
justices of the peace : — Harris B. Munson, Leman Chatfield, Sharon Y. 
Beach, Isaac B. Davis, Charles B. Wooster, Philo Holbrook, George P. 
Shelton, Daniel L. Holbrook, Samuel R. Hickox, Eli S. Cornwall. 

At the town meeting in the basement of the Congregational Church in 
October, Daniel Holbrook was elected first selectman but declined to serve 
another year. Isaac B. Davis, Sharon Y. Beach and Harpin Riggs were 
then elected and Burton W. Smith was elected treasurer. A resolution 
was passed authorizing the layout of a street past the house Denzel Hitchcock, 
now known as High Street, also accepting Humphrey street as highway. The 
following resolution was adopted: 

Voted, tliat all Horses and Cattle be restrained from going at large upon the highways and 
commons in Seymour (except that any man owning one cow only can by permission from any one 
selectman, let her run at large provided she has a strap on her neck with the owners name on) and if 
so found going at large shall be liable to be impounded and that the penalty for each animal so im- 
pounded shall be seventy-five cents, two thirds of which sum to be paid to the person or persons so 
impounding the same, by the owner or owners of the animal or animals so impounded, and one-third 
to the pound keeper. 

Voted, that Sheep and Swine be restrained from going at large upon the highways and commons 
in said town, and if so found going at large shall be liable to be impounded, and the penalty for each 
Sheep or Swine so impounded shall be twenty-live cents, to be paid to the person or persons so im- 
pounding the same by the owner or owner of the Sheep or Swine so impounded eighteen cents, and 
to the pound-keeper seven cents. 

Voted, that Geese be restrained from going at large upon the highways or commons in said town. 



1852-54] SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 83 

and if so found going at large shall be lial)le to be impounded, and tbe penalty for each Goose so 
impounded shall be eight cents, one-half of which shall be paid to the person impounding the same 
and the other half to the pound-keeper, by the owner or owners of the geese so impounded. 

Vottd that any inhabitant of said town may lawfully impound all such creatures found going 
at large as aforesaia, and it shall be the duty of the person or persons impounding the same to give 
notice thereof to the owner or owners of such creatures, if known, within twenty-four hours after im- 
pounding the same, and in case the owner or owners of such impounded creatures be not known by 
the impounder, to inform forthwith one of the Constables of said town, whose duty it shall be to proceed 
in tlie same manner as is hy law prescribed for Constables when they are informed that creatures are 
impounded for doing damage upon land, and the owners thereof is not known, and said Constable 
shall he entitled to his lawful fees in the same manner as for creatures doing daujage upon land, 
provided that nothing in this vote or By-Law shall be so construed as to prevent the owner or owners 
of such creatures from redeeming them from the person or persons while driving them to pound, by 
paying the drivers fees. 

Voted, that the foregoing By-Law be effectual from and after the i'Oth day of November, 18.W, 
until the first Monday in October, 18.'>3. 

Voted, that the town clerk be directed to cause the foregoing By-Law to be published four weeks 
successively in the Columbian Register printed in New Haven, also in the New Haven Palladium. 

This by-law was re-enacted in 1853 antl the penalties increased one-fourth. 
In 1854 it was repealed. 

The vote of the town for presidential electors, Nov. 2nd, 1852, was — 
democratic, 258; whig, 105; free soil, 4. 

The Huniphreysville Copi)er Co. was re-organized in 1852 and the capital 
increased from $100,000 to $200,000 by the addition of 4,000 shares of $25 
each, S. R., Vol. 3, p. 123. The President of the company certified that 
the whole amount had been paid in Feb. 2nd. A large part of the stock 
was taken in Humphreysville, the bank taking 700 shares. The directors of 
the company then were — William Cornwall, Timothy Dwight, George F. 
DeForest, Charles Dnrand and Harrison Tomlinson. In February, 1853, 
the directors were=John W. Dwight, William Cornwall, Timothy Dwight, 
Charles Durand, Nathan Peck, Jr., of New Haven, Raymond French, George 
F. DeForest, Harrison Tomlinson and Sheldon Kenney of Seymour. The 
works were greatly enlarged and the business increased. Up to this time 
the business had proved very lucrative, but after the enlargement the profits 
decreased and the stock finally went down. 

At the electors' meeting in April, 1853, H. B. Munson was elected rej»- 
resentative by a majority of 82 in a total vote of 329. 

Prof. Gay, a graduate of Yale, opened a "high school" in Glendinning 
Hall in August. 

At the October town meeting Leman Chatfield, Harpin Riggs and Jabez 
E. Pritchard were elected selectmen, and B. W. Smith, town treasurer. 

On Sunday, Nov. 13th, there was a heavy rain all day, and during the 
afternoon the river rose rapidly, until it was seventeen feet and three inches 
above low water mark at Derby. Such a flood had not been known for many 
years, the water was said to have been four feet deep in the coppermill. The 
south half of the railroad bridge was carried away, with the south abutment, 
and many other bridges above and below Seymour, including those at Pines- 
bridge, Beacon Falls and Ansonia. In the evening the Ansonia bridge was 
carried away, and with it a young couple whose cries were heard far dow n 
the river, but all attempts to rescue them in the darkness were unavailing. 

On Wednesday evening, Jan. 8th, 1854, there was another freshet which 
again swept off the railroad bridge and also the dam of French, Swift «& Co. 
The next forenoon the dam which stood a little above where the rubbermill 
dam now is was carried away. It continued to be an unusually rainy season 



84 SEYMOUR a:SD VICINITY. [1854-57 

for two months, and the July and August following were as exceptionally dry. 

At the elector's meeting in April, H. B. Munson was elected representa- 
tive by a majority of 65 in a total vote of 293, and S. Y". Beach, Leman 
Chatfield, Isaac B. Davis, Samuel E. Hickox, Daniel L. Holbrook, Philo 
Holbrook, H. B. Munson, Luzon B. Morris, George P. Shelton and Charles 
B. Wooster, justices of the peace. 

From Thursday, April 22nd, to the following Sunday morning there was 
heavy and continuous ram, resulting in a flood on Sunday, when the water 
rose eight or ten inches higher than in the November freshet. Great damage 
was done throughout the valley. Derby Avenue was washed out from Broad 
street to Pine to the depth of three feet. The water at Derby was 19 feet 8| 
inches above low water mark. A special town meeting was called and a 
vote passed to build a breakwater at the west end of Broad street and to fill 
Derby Avenue where washed out. The work was done immediately and so 
substantially that there has been no farther trouble at that point. 

Feb. 7th, 1855, the mercury stood 12° below zero, and the 11th, 10° 
below. At the April election Luzon B. Morris was elected representative by 
a majority of 45 in a total vote of 315. In October Jabez E. Pritchard, 
Henry Bradley and Philo Holbrook were elected selectmen, and B. W. 
Smith, treasurer. Charles B. Wooster was town clerk from the first election 
after tlie incorporation of the town until he removed to New Haven in the 
winter of 18G2-63. 

The winter of 1855-G was remarkably severe. The snow lay from 
eighteen inches to two feet in depth all through January, '5G. The mercury 
stood 130 below zero Jan. 9th at 7 a. m., 8° below Mar. 4th, and 10° below ^ 
Mar. 14th. The next summer was unusually warm. June 23rd the mercury \ 
stood at 1000 in the shade, and the 17th of July at 102°. 

At the April election Luzon B. Morris was elected representative by a 
majority of 58 votes. The justices elected were H. B. Munson, Hemy 
Bradley, C. B. Wooster, Philo Holbrook, D. L. Holbrook, Sheldon Church, 
L. B. Morris, David Beach, B. W. Smith and Joseph Chipman. 

A vote was taken upon the proposition to change the name of the town 
from Seymour to Humphrey, the change being defeated by a vote of 117 to 81 . 

At the October election of 1856, Sheldon Church, Miles Culver and 
Daniel L. Holbrook Avere elected selectmen ; Hiram W. Eandall, town 
treasurer ; and George F. DeForest, Philo B. Buckingham and Luzon B. 
Morris, school visitors. This was the first election of school visitors by the 
town. Previous to this time they had been elected by the School Societies, 
of which there two, the first com])rising the school districts on the east side 
of the river, and the second the distiicts on the west side. 

Land Mas purchased of Alfred Bhickman by Rev. James Lynch of Bir- 
mingham, Sept. 24th, 1851, for a Roman Catholic Church. The land was 
deeded to Rt. Rev. Bernard O'Riley of Providence, R. I., June 5th, 1855. 
Work was commenced in the fall of 1855, and the edifice completed and 
dedicated in the fall of 1856. 

A vote for presidential electors, Nov. 4th, 1856, was — democratic, 192 ; 
republican, 129 ; et al, 6. 

Jan. 22nd, 1857, at 7 a. m., the mercurv was 4° below zero ; 23rd, — 13° ; 
24th,— 230 ; 25th,— 10°; 26th,— 20°. 

There was a great freshet Feb. 7th, the water at Derby being 22 feet 3 
inches above low water mark. The Housatonic bridge at Birmingham was 
carried away. Henry C. Johnson was elected representative in April by a 
majority of 41. The ''Bank of North America," corner of Main and Maple 



ai-:YMOUIi AND VICINITY. sr, 

streets, had been incori»onitetl in 1851 witli a cajjital of $1()0,(K)0. In LSfil 
tlie Oeneral Assembly antliorizetl an increase of the capital stock to $1'(»0,0(K>, 
but the increase seems not to have been made, as on the 1st of January, 185G, 
Georae F. DeForest, the president of th(> bank, reported tlie stock worth only 
SllO,??."), In June, IS.")!*, an addition of Sl(H»,(K>() to the stock was authorized, 
and in June, ISGO, permission was given to remove the l»ank to Ansouia. The 
name was changed to Ansonia Bank in 1801. 

The Nangatuck Railroad Company was incorporated in 1815. Timothy 
Dwiiiht, \\'illiani DeForest and and Anson G. Phelps being among the 
jietitioners for the charter. The capital stock was at first S()()(),()()0 with the 
privilege of increasing to one million dollars. The time in which the road 
was to be built was extended in 1848 and 1853, and the stock increased to 
$L»,000,000. 

The Eagle Manufacturing Co. was organized June 27th, 1850, with a 
stock of $50,000, for the manufacture of goods from silk, wool and cotton. 
Geo. Kice was the first president of the company. The stock was increased 
to $100,000 Oct. 28, 1852; Geo. F. DeForest, president. In January, 1855, 
Geo. P. Shelton, pres., and Harrison Tomlinson, sec, certihed to estimated 
losses of $27,000 and assetts of $12,000, the indebtedness of the company being 
about $00,000. 

In 1851 the capital stock of the ITumphreysville IManufacturing Co. was 
estimated at $300,000, and the estimate was approved by a committee of the 
Legislature. Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. 803. In 1850 the stock \\as reduced to 
$150,000 by the distribution of property to the stockholders. 

The Huraphre} sville High School Association was incorporated in 1851, 
as follows : 

Sec. 1. Sesol red hy this Assembly, Thutllaymand Frcncli, Harrison Toniliiison, Georgie 
F. DeForest, Lucius Tuttle, Eli S. Cornwall, Samuel Bassett. Philo H. Buckingham, E. F. liassett, 
(JeorKC II. Merick, Nehemiah liobbins, Oliver H. Stotklanl, Clark Wooster, and all others, wlio now 
are, or shall hereafter become associated with them, and their successors and assigns, be, and they 
are hereby constituted a body politic and corporate, by the name of "The Seymour High School 
Association," and by that name they are hereby authorized and empowered to purchase, take, hold, 
occupy and enjoy, notes, bonds, mortgages and estate, real and personal, to an amount not exceeding 
twenty thousand dollars ; and the same to sell, transfer and convey at their pleasure; and shall also 
be capable of suing and being sued, pleading and being impleaded, defending and being defended in 
any lawful court; to have perpetual succession, and to have a common seal, and the same to alter 
at pleasure. 

Sec. 12. The stock of said corporation, consistiug of the building or buildings, for the use ot 
said liigh school, such as may be from time to time erected, together with the lands which now are, 
or may hereafter be owned l)y said corporation; and all moneys, funds, notes, bonds, mortgages, real 
and personal estate of any description, whicJi now belong, or may liereafter belong to said corporation, 
excepting donations, legacies, devises and bequests, shall be divided into shares of twenty-live dollars 
each; and each share shall entitle the holder thereof to one vote at all meetings of said corjjoration; 
and said shares shall be deemed and held to be personal estate, and shall be transferable in such 
manner as shall be prescribed by tlie by-laws, rules and regulations of said corporation. 

Sec. 3. For the management of the affairs of said corporation, the members tliereof shall, at 
their lirst meeting, elect five trustees, who shall hold their office for the term of one year, at least, 
from the time of their election, and until others may and shall be chosen l)y said corporation, to sup- 
ply their places ; said trustees shall have power to till any vacancies whicli may occur in their number, 
during the time of holding their office ; they shall have the hnmediate management and control of 
the funds, property, aiul general concerns of said corporation, receive and disburse all 
moneys belonging to said institution; regulate the course of instruction and the i)rice of 
tuition, and if they think proper, prescribe the terms of admission of scliolars; Ihey shall have the 



86 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

power of enacting such rules and regulations concerning the conduct of students while members of 
said high school, as they may deem proper; and a majority of them may, at any time, expel or dismiss, 
or suspend, as the case may require, such students as, for any reasonable cause, they may consider 
it improper to retain in the school; always provided, that the by-laws, rules and regulations shall 
not be repugnant to the laws of this state, or of the United States. 

Sec. 4. That in all meetings of the trustees, a majority of the whole number shall be necessary 
to form a quorum for transacting business of any kind; and a vote of the majority of those presaut 
shall be necessary to render any act done by them binding on said corporation. 

Sec. 5, All meetings of the trustees shall be called at such times, in such manner, and on 
such notice, as the trustees by their by-laws shall prescribe. And a meeting of the corporation may 
at any time be called by vote of the trustees, or by a written request presented to the secretary or 
the trustees or corporation, and signed by members of the corporation, who are owners of at least 
one-third of the stock of said corporation ; and each meeting of the corporation shall be warned iu 
such manner as the trustees shall direct. 

Sec. 6. In all meetings of the corporation, all the stockholders may vote in person, or by 
proxy, and one vote shall he allowed for each share. 

Sec. 7. The books and records of said corporation shall be always open to the inspection of 
any of its stockholders. 

Sec. 8. The use of such buildings as may belong to said corporation, shall be under the 
direction of the trustees, and shall be appropriated to no other purposes than that of a school, unless 
by the consent of a majority of the trustees expressed in writing under their hands, and prescribing 
the terms on which, and the purposes for which, they are to be used. 

Sec. 9. The members of this corporation shall have the power of appointing a committee to 
consist of at least two, to procure such instructors as may be necessary, and agree with them in re- 
lation to the terras ; and in case they shall neglect to do so, it shall be the duty of the trustees to 
procure such itstructors as may be required. 

Sec. 10. The first meeting of the corporation shall be called by George F. DeForest, Es- 
quire, or in case of his inability or neglect, by Raymond French, of the town of Seymour, at such 
time and place, and with such notice as he shall direct; provided always, that this act maybe 
altered, amended or repealed at the pleasure of the general assembly. (Pr. Acts, Vol. 3, p. 20. 

In 1852, Geo. P. Shelton, Raymond French, Pbilo Holbrook, Henry S. 
Mygatt, Sheldon Kinney, George F. DeForest, Harrison Tonilinson, John W. 
Dwight, John Clark and Sylvester Smith were incorporated under the style 
and title of the Seymour Savings Bank. 

The Union Mercantile Co., was established Jan. Gtli, 1852, with a capital 
stock of $4,000, in shares of $25. There were sixty -four stock-holders, taking 
from one to eight shares each. B. W. Smith was the first president of the 
company, and John J. Rider the second. The store was in the building on 
the north side of Broad street, at the west end of the Naugatuck bridge. 

The American Car Co. was organized in the spring of 1852, with a stock 
of $150,000, one half of which was certified to be paid in May 14th, by I. H. 
Lyman, Pres., and T. Dwight, R. French and J. W. Dwight, a majority of 
the directors. Sey. Town Rec, Vol. 3, p. 76. The stock was increased Sept. 
1st, to $200,000. Of the additional shares J. W. and Timothy Dwight each 
took 800 and J. H. Lyman 400. S. R., Vol. 3, p. 82. Five large shops were 
built on the "flat," with track laid to each, and a large business was done for 
a time, until the business was moved west. 

The Humphreysville and Salem Turnpike Co., organized in 1825 and 
incorporated in 1832, was discontinued in 1856. 

The New Haven and Seymour Plank road company was incorporated in 
1852. The parties named in the act_ were William H. Ellis, Zelotes Day 
and William Hull of New Haven, Bevil P. Smith and Thomas Sauford of 
Woodbridge, William A. Clark of Bethany, and Sylvester Smith and Sharon 



SEYMOUR A^) VICINITY. 87 

Y. Beach of Soymour. The capital was not to exceed $100,000, and the 
road to run from Seymour through Woodbridge and Bethany to Westville 
bridge. 

The "Woodbury and Seymour Plank Koad Company was incorporated in 
1852. Lewis B. Candee, Norman Tarker, Charles B. Phelps, lleubeu II. 
Ilotchkiss, Lewis Judd and William Caylord were among tlie lirst stock 
holders. The road from Seymour through Oxford and Southbury to Wood- 
bury is now the only road from Seymour on which toll is collected. 

The Upson Manufacturing Co. was organized in 1852 with a capital of 
$G,000, by Hiram Upson, Horace A. Padford and Lucius Tuttle, for the 
manufacture of augers, bits, &c. The business was carried on where the 
Douglass Manufacturing Co's lower shop now is, at the mouth of Little 
liiver. The proi)erty was sold by H. A. Padford to Charles Doiiglass in 
1859. The shop was originally built by Timothy Dwight, Sr., son of i'res. 
D wight, in 1837, and by his heirs sold to H. A. Padford. 

The Humphreysville Copper Co., in addition to their works in Seymour, 
had a wharf and mill in East Haven, and were in 1853 authorized by the 
General Assembly to build a breakwater for the protection of tluMr v«'ssels 
from the surf and winds while loading and unloading. Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. 
798. The stock was increased Feb. 3rd, 1854, from 12,000 to 10,000 shares. 
The stock was certified Jan. 30th, 1855, to have been paid in to the amount 
of 390,000, the property to be worth $525,000, and the bills receivable $75, 
000; while the liabilities were $350,000. Anew Humphreysville Copper Co. 
was incorporated in 1855, (Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. 799,) the stock being placed 
at $750,000 with liberty to increase to any amount not exceeding $1,000,000, 
and to purchase the stock of the old company. The parties named in the act 
of incorporation were John W. Dwight, Wm. Cornwall, Geo. F. DeForest, 
Henry Brouson, Chas. Durand, Sheldon Kinney, Saml. K. Satterlee, Geo. 
P. A. Picketts and Henchman S. Soule. The New Haven Copper Co. was 
organized Nov. 21st, 1855, with a capital stock of $400,000. John W. Dwight, 
president; Geo. P. A. Picketts, secretary. Mar. 12th, 1850, J. W. Dwiglit 
and Wm. Cornwall certified that the stock amounted to $300,000, all paid in, 
Dwight having 4,080 shares, Cornwall 3,920, and Wm. W. Goddard 4,000. 
S. P., Vol. 3, p. 220. The statement of the New Haven Copper Co., Jan. 
20th, 185 '(, claimed assetts to the amount of $015,000 with $295,000 liabilities. 
7900 shares of the stock were in the name of the Humphreysville Copper Co., 
4000 were held by Wm. W. Goddard, and the renuiining 100 by Dwight, 
Cornwall, DeForest and Picketts. After various changes the company was 
re-organized in 1872, the stock being owned by Lazarus Lissberger, president, 
and Samuel Holmes, Thomas James and Frank Farrell, and under the present 
able management is one of the heaviest (both literally and tiuancially,) and 
most reliable of the iudustries of the town. 

The Humphreysville Library Company was incorporated in 1854. The 
following is the act of incorporation from Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. 1193-4. 

liesolved by this Assembly, Sec. 1. That P. IJ. IJuckiugliain, B. W. Smith, G. H. Merrick, 
Rajmond French, Sylvester Smith, Samuel IJassett, Ilciiry S. Myj^att, KaDSoin Toiulinsoii, Aslibel 
Storrs, L. B. Morris ami Andrew Bassett, aud their associates and such other persons as shall here- 
after be admitted members of said compauy, be and they hereby are made a body politic and corporate, 
by the name of the Humphreysville Library Company, and by that name may sue aud be sued, and 
Lave perpetual succession, and may have a common seal, and may alter the same at pleasure, aud 
may hold real estate to the amount of one thousand dollars, and may increase their stock in hooka 
to the amount and value of five thousand dollars ; and the stock of said company sliall be divided 



88 SEYMOUK AND VICINITY. 

into sucli shares as by tlie by-laws of said comjjany shall be ordained and established. And the first 
meeting of said company shall be held on the third Monday of July nest, at sueh hour and place as 
shall be -designated for that purpose, by notice signed by the said P. B. Buckinghatu and B. W 
Smith, which shall be served by reading to each petitioner, or by copy left at his usual place of abode 
three days previous to said meeting; and thereafter the annual and special meetings of said company 
shall be held at such time and place and on such notice as the by-laws of said company shall prescribe. 

Sec. 2. The company at their annual meeting shall choose a secretary, a president, a vice- 
president, a treasurer and seven persons to be a board of directors, who shall continue in office until 
others are chosen to fill their places ; and if the company shall hereafter increase, the board of 
directors may be increased, but shall at no time exceed eleven persons, exclusive of the president 
and vice-president, who shall ex officio be members of the board of directors. 

Sec. 3. The board of directors shall have a general superintendance of the library ; direct 
in what manner it shall be kept, appoint a librarian and grant him such compensation as they shall 
judge necessary, adjust all accounts and exhibit the same once in every year to the company, select 
and purchase books for the use of the company, and regulate from time to time the manner in whicli 
books shall be drawn from the library. 

Sec. 4. The board of directors shall have the sole power of making by-laws relative to the 
use of the company's books, and the fines, penalties, and forfeitures to be inllicted for any injury to, 
or loss, obstructions or undue detention of the same ; but no such by-law shall be of any force until it 
Las been engrossed and posted up fourteen days in the library room. Provided, that no fine, penalty 
or forfeiture shall exceed the assessed value of the book or books so injured, lost, detained or destroyed. 

Sec. 5. No person shall become a member of the company by purchase, without the consent 
and approbation of the board of directors. 

Sec. G. The proprietor of each share of said stock shall pay annually into the treasury of 
said company one dollar on each share held by him; and if the proprietor of any share or shares of 
said stock shall neglect or refuse to make such payment for the space of thirty days after the same 
shall be due, and after having been notified of such neglect, in a manner to be provided by the hoard 
of directors, each proprietor neglecting or refusing shall forfeit all his right, title and interest in said 
campany, and shall cease to be a member of the same. 

Sicc. 7. These resolves may be altered, amended or repealed at the pleasure of the legislature. 

The foregoing outline of tlie joint stock speculations of 1850 — 60, made 
from the records with very little comment, includes companies that have 
since prospered and been largely instrumental in building up the place, 
and others which by the heavy losses inflicted upon the stockholders, have 
since intimidated capital and sometimes hindered the development of merit- 
orious enterprises. 

A portion of the town of Oxford was was annexed to the town of Sey- 
mour in 1854, as follows : 

Besolved by this Assembly, That all that part of the town of Oxford lying southerly of a line 
diawn from the town bounds, standing between the towns of Seymour and Oxford in New Haven 
county, near the dwelling house of Mrs. Sabra Lindlcy ; thence running in an easterly direction 
al)Out one hundred and thirty-four rods, to a pile of stones on Diamond Eock, so called ; thence 
running easterly about one hundred and twenty rods from the Naugatuck railroad; thence miming 
easterly to a pile of stones with a stake standing therein, on the town line between said Seymour and 
Oxford, easterly of the dwelling house of Miles Culver, and southerly of the south end of Rock 
Itimmon, so called, he and hereby is incorporated in and made part of the said to%vn of Seymour, and 
that the aforesaid lines and boundaries be the boundaries between said towns. (Pr. Acts, Vol. 4, p. I'JOS. 

From Conn. Private Acts, Vol. 4, p. 1314 : — 

Upon the petition of the Humphreysville and Salem Turnpike Company, showing that here- 
tofore, to wit, at a general assembly of the state of Connecticut, liolden at Hartford on the first 
Wednesday of May, A. D., 1832, the said Humphreysville and Salem Turnpike Company was by a 
resolve of the general assembly, duly incorporated by the name of the "Humphreysville Turnpike 
Company," with power to cons'. ruct a turnp'ke road from the Palls bridge, so called, then in the 
tonn of Derby, but now the town of Seymour, to Salem bridge, in the then town of Waterbury. 
now Naugatuck, and that said turnpike road was afterwards during the said year last mentioned 
laid out and con.structed by said company, and has ever since been kept open for public travel by 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 89 

.id ccnpany, until on or about the 1st day of January, A. D., 1803, when the same became useless 
;ud valueless to said company, and has ever sinee been abandoned by then., and prayn., that the 
,aid charter and resolve of incorporation may be repealed, as per petition on file : 
' tson■eahy,ki.Assc,nLJy,T^..ii^.e charter of the IlumphreysviUe and >^... In.u,^. 
Company, granted by a resolve of the general assembly, at its May session A. I) .v-.. and all 
powers and privileges therein conferred, be and the same hereby is revoked and repealed. 

The following resolution was adopted by the General Assembly in I80G, 
and made of no avail by the vote before mentioned : 

Itcsoh-cii hu this Assemblu, That the name of the town of Seymo^tr be and the s.ame is here 

l.V ch.te o h 't of Hu.>pJy, and by said name of Humphrey, the said town shall herca ter be 

led m kno vn. ProviL, that this resolution shall not take eftect until the same shall be ap- 

p " a majority of the voters of said town, present at the -xt annual town meeting ot said 

^^wn or at some special meeting of said town duly warned and held for that purpose. 

At the October election Henry Bradley, Edwin Smith and Abel IIol- 
hroolTwere re-elected selectmen; and B. W. Smith, town treasnrer; Martin 
KeUev James E Fisher and John W. Bassett, tythinginen for the Episcopal 
Socet>' Metho^list, Smith Botsford, W. N. Storrs, John E. Bladunan ; 
Society , ^:^^^' "";^'' . , rp„„%e^. phiio B. Buckingham, Joshua Kendall ; 
^^^i^fT^h^'^^'c^L^P^ick T^acey James Robinson; 
Srffiil Methodist Society, Eli Gillett, Clark Hull. S. 1. Beach and 

^^^^T^Sri^:- l^t^S^^ the mercury 

--Si^^S^^^K ^^^ ve^resc^five by 

ama^:n^^f^-J^^^^^ 

l;i;h'^rrfe W ostef am^ Roselle, ustices of the peace. When 

in the Ticinity. ^'.*'f,/^';\\f "T, the October election Henry liradley, 
SrLiil, LU'r^HlrL. we' •:"! la .e,ect.„e„, Henry S. Jo„ns„n, 

l,rokc up and was it; many V'^-V^'^'JJ't, CaSo; Cd, was electe.l repre- 

Bra,,ley, E.hvin Stnith an.l Stephen . ^^^ ^^T^C! ^Lit.'r A 
Henry S. ,lohnson town treasurer; and .Jo.sima i\( nu.ui, 

tax was laid of 51 mills. 



90 SEYMOUE AND VICimTY. [18G1 

The vote for president Nov. 6th was — for Douglass electors, 98; Brecken- 
ridge, 98; Lincoln, 134, et al, 4. 

In April, 1861, Clark Wooster was elected representative by a majority 
of twenty-nine. 

At the annual town meeting held Oct. 7th, Henry Bradley, John Davis 
and Stephen D. Russell were elected selectmen; David Betts, Jr., treasurer; 
C. B. Wooster, school visitor. 

Abel Holbrook was elected representative April 7th, by a majority of 34 
votes. The following were elected justices of the peace: C. B. Wooster, B. 
W. Smith, H. B. Munson, Sheldon Church, E. R. Bassett, J. J. Wilcoxen, 
Smith Botsford, John Chatfield, Edward Hoadley, James Baker. 

.-■■■.■c^Qs,iJ^i^^^^^0;;t0i;f:'<j»^ 

SEYMOUR IN THE GEEAT REBELLION. 



At the first call of the President for volunteers there had been a prompt 
response, many patriotic young men going forth in the first regiments to 
devote their lives, if it should so be, to their country, leaving home and family 
to face the peril of a destructive war. As the war progressed and call afteV 
call was mader for more men, it became necessary to make greater eftorts to 
fill the quotas, and those who remained at home contributed liberally to assist 
those who went to the front. 

At a special town meeting held Aug. 25th, lSG2j the following resolutions 
were adopted: — 

Resolved, That the sum of one hundred dollars be and hereby is appointed 
to each volunteer soldier who has enlisted in any company forming in this 
town for the military service of the United States since July 1st, 1862, or who 
may hereafter enlist in such company for said sei-vice before the 3rd day of 
September 1862, until the quota of men required of this town under the orders 
of the President of the United States, or as apportioned by the Adjutant 
Genei'al or Governor of this State, shall be filled, and said sum herein before 
appropriated shall be paid to each and every volunteer so enlisting immediately 
after such volunteer or volunteers shall have been mustered into the military 
service of the United States. 

Resolved, That the sum of five thousand dollars, or so much thereof as 
may be required, be and is hereby appropriated for the purpose of carrying the 
foregoing resolutions into effect, and the selectmen or town agent of this town 
are hereby authorized and instructed to procure a loan or loans on the credit 
of this town of such sum or sums of money not exceeding in the whole the 
amount appropriated under these resolutions as may be required to pay the 
aforesaid appropriations. 

Resolved, That the selectmen of this town be and hereby are empowered 
and instructed to draw their order on the treasurer of this town for the sum 
uf one hundred dollars in favor of each and every Aolunteer enlisted as afore- 
said, when such volunteer or volunteers shall have been mustered into the 
service of the United States. 

Resolved, That a tax of three mills on the dollar be and hereby is laid 
and assessed upon the Grand List of this town next to be completed for the 
purpose of defraying the expense of the foregoing api)ropriations. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. !)1 

The following additional resolutions were adopted at a special meeting 
lield Sept. 8tli. 

Besolved, That in addition to bounties heretofore voted by this town in 
legal town meeting, a bounty of one hundred dollars be paid to each and every 
person who has or may hereafter volunteer from this town, and has been or 
may hereafter be mustered into the military service of this State or the United 
States since July 1, 1802, previous to the draft ordered by the (iovernor or 
Adjutant General of this State dated the 2()th day of August 18(52, until the 
:iuota assigned to this town shall be completed, unless such vijluntcer or 
v'olunteers shall have already received a bounty in accordance with a previous 
legal vote of this town, and that the selectmen be instructed to draw an order 
on the town treasurer for the sum of one hundred dollars in i\i\or of each 
person who has or may so volunteer, when he shall be accepted and mustered 
into the military service of this State or the United States. 

Resolved, That to cany out the intent of the foregoing resolutions the 
sum of twenty -five hundred dollars or so much thereof as may b(i reijuired is 
hereby appropriated, and the selectmen are hereby authoriziid to loan on the 
credit of this town the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars. 

At a special town meeting held Aug. 3rd, 18G3, a resolution was adopted 
authorizing the selectmen to pay a bounty of $300 to any <;itizen of this town 
who had enlisted or might enlist into the service of the United States under 
the provisions of the Act of Congress approved March 3rd, 1803, or who might 
be drafted and accepted, and the town treasm'er was authorized to borrow 
upon the faith and credit of the town such sums as might be necessary , not 
exceeding in all $9,500. 

In December an additional appropriation was made of $105 to each 
num who would enlist under the call of the President dated Oct. 17th, 1803, 
and for this and also the consolidation of the previous debt, the town treasur- 
er was authorized to issue six per cent bonds to the amount of $10,000. 

At a special town meeting held Sept. 15th, ('04,) a tax of thirteen mills, 
was voted for the purpose of defraying the expense of filling the ({uota of the 
to\Mi under the last call of the President for volunteers. The money was to 
be kept in a separate fund called the Soldiers' Bounty Fund, and to be drawn 
\i]Hm for no other purpose. The selectmen were authorized to draw an order 
<»n the fund for $300 in favor of each person who had or should enter the 
military service of the United States, and be counted on the (luota of the 
town, until the quota should be filled. The selectmen were also instructed 
to use all reasonable diligence to fill the quota of the town. 

At a special meeting held Dec. 19th, it was voted that $3,500 be appro- 
l)riated for the purpose of procuring volunteers to enlist into the sin-vice of 
the United States. 



92 SEYMOUK A^B VICimTY, 



LIST OF SEYMOUR SOLDIERS 

OF THE 



It is but an act of simple justice to keep in afFectiouate and lasting remembrance the name and 
fame of those who from amongst us have given their lives that the nation night live. It is not for 
us to honor them, but. it is they who have honored us. — Col. A. H. Penn. 



Ichabod E. Ailing, Corporal, Co. H, 20tli Coun. Vols. Mustered in 
Aug. 20th, 1862. Mustered out June 13tb, 1805. 

John Baldicin, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 24:th, 1804. Mus- 
tered out June 23rd, 1805. 

Julius Bassett, mustered as Capt. Co. A, Fifteenth Conn. Vols., at Meri- 
den, July 10th, 1802. Killed in action March 8th, 1805, near Kinston, S. C. 

Lorenzo M. Bassett, Co. A, First Artillery. Mustered in Nov. 23rd, 
1803. Discharged, disability, June 17th, 1805. 

Samuel Bassett, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Dec. 10th, 1803 ; 
transfered to the Fifth Kegiment. Mustered out July 19th, 1805. 

Sheldon Bassett, Co. B, Fifteenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Mar. 13th, 
1804 ; transfered to 7th Conn. Vols. Mustered out July 14th, 1805. 

Samuel Ai Beach, Sergeant, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered 
in Aug. 8th, 1802. Discharged, disability, Sept,^9th, 1862. 

Henry B. Beers, Co. K, Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 5th, 18()1, 
Discharged, disability, Feb. 22d, 1803. 

Bennett Benham, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 9th, 1802. 
Mustered out June 13th, 1805, at Washington, D. C. 

Ilotvard Bliss, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 20th, ]S(;2. 
Mustered out June 13th, 1805, at Washington, D. C. 

Andrew Bodge, Co. F, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May 2;>rd, 
1801. Wounded at Battle of Malvern Hill. Discharged May 22nd," 18(;4. 

George E. Bodge, Co. F, Sixth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 7th, 18(;i. 
Killed at the chariie on Fort Wagner, on Morris Island, S. C, rfulv 18tli. 
1803. 



SF.Y:\roT:R axd vicinity. m 

Xoyes E. Jiassetf, Co. I, Twoiitieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Mar. Ttli, 
18(54. Tninsferrecl to Fifth C. V. IMustorcd out July llltli, im:*. 

Henry L Booth, Co. H, 20tli Conn. Vols. JMustored in An.-r. Otli, 1S(;l>. 
Died in Washington, D. C, Jan. 4tli, ISO;;. 

Edward Bofsford, Tliird Ind. Battery. IMustered in Sept. I'.Hli, 1S04. 
Mustered ont June 23rd, ISO."). 

Edward Bots/ord, Co. E, Fifth Conn. Vols. :Mustered in July L'LMid, 
18G1. Discharged for disability Dec. 17th, 18(12. 

Harvey L. Botsford, Co. IT, 2()th C'onn. Vols. Mustered in Ang. oth, 
18(52. Discharged, disability, Feb. 21st, 18(33, at Stafford CJourt House;. 

Henry I. Bradley, Co. B, Twelfth (,'onn. Vols. .Alustered in Dec. lOtli, 
1801. Ke-enlisted Jan. 1, 1804. 

Matthew Brassll, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. l()th, 1804. 
Mustered ont June 22d, 180."). 

Wm. H. Bray, Sergeant, ('o. (r, Eleventh Conn. Vols. ]\Iustered in 
Dec. 1st, 1801. Discharged, disability, Nov. 2»th, 18(12. 

Foyal L. Bronson, Co. H, 2()th Conn, ^'ols. Mustered in Ang. 25th, 
18(52. Died Mav 4th, 1803, of wounds received at ('hancellorsville, Va., 
:\Iay 3rd. 

Rodney 0. Bronson, ('o. D., First Conn. Cavalry. Mustered in Xov. 
27th, 1803. Mustered ont Aug. 2nd, ISVuk 

Charles Brown, Third Ind. Battery. ^Mustered in Sept. 10th, 1804. 
Mnstered ont .Tune 23rd, 18(5,"). 

FMlo B. Buclcinfiham, mnstered in as Major of Twentieth Conn. Vols. 
Ang. 20th, 1802. Taken i)risoner at Chancellorsville, and sent to Libby 
Prison. Exchanged and returned to service. I'ronioted Lieut, ('ol. Mar. 
22(1, 1804. Made Brevet-Colonel by the l*resident, by and with the advice, 
of the Senate, to date from March 13th, 1805, for gallant and meritorious 
services during the campaign in Georgia and the Cai-oliuas. Mustered out 
June 13th, 1805. 

James E. Bucl-Jey, Corporal, Co. B, Twentieth Conn, ^'ols, .Mustered in 
Aug. 4th, 18(52. Wounded Mar. 10th, 1805. Mustered out June 13th, 
1805. 

Owen BucMey, Third Ind. Batterv. Mustered in Sept. 10th, 18(54, De- 
serted Nov. 21st, 1804. 

Geo. B. Candee, Third Ind. Battery. :\rustered in Sept. 23rd, 1804. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1805. 

^Vm. Carroll, 1st Vol. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 15th, 1S(;4. Mus- 
tered out June 23rd, 18(55. 

Xicholas Cass, Co. C, First C. V. Heavy ArtiHery. Mustered in Dec 
Sth, 1803. IMustered ont S(q)t. 5tli, 18(55. 

Thomas Chadwirl; Co. ¥, Twelfth Conn. Vols. Mustered iu Nov. 25th, 
18(51. Ke-enlisted Jan. 1, 18(54. 'Mustered mit Ang. 12, 1805. 



94 SEYMOUll AND VICINITY. 

Mi Clement, Co. B, First C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May 22tl, 
1861. Discharged May 21st, 1864 ; term expired. 

Abraham Collins, Co. A. Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 29th, 
1861. Discharged, disability, Feb. 22d, 1803. 

Bicliard Condon, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22d, 1801- 
Ee-enlisted Dec. 21st, 1863. Wounded. Mustered out July 19th, 1865. 

Richard Conway, Co. B, First C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May 
22d, 1861. Discharged May 21st, 1864 ; term expired. 

Eeuben Cox, Co. C, First C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. 3rd, 
1863. Deserted Aug. 5th, 1865. 

Fredericlc Cross, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 24th, 1864. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865. 

Dennis Crummey, Co. I, Twenty-Seventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 
9th, 1862. Lost an arm in front of Mary's Heights, Dec. 13th, 1862. Dis- 
charged Feb. 12th, 1863. 

Wm. E. Curtiss, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 15th, 1864. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1865. 

Charles H. Davis, Co. C, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. 4th, 

1863. Mustered out Sept. 25th, 1865. 

Harry W. Davis, Rifle Co. C, Third Conn. Vols. Mustered in May 14th, 

1861. Honorably discharged Aug. 12th, 1861. 

Zerah B. Davis, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 6t]i, 

1862. Mustered out June 13th, 1865. 

Charles Domingo, colored, Co. H, Twenty-ninth Conn.Vols. Mustered in 
Mar. 2nd, 1864. Killed at Petersburg, Va., Sept. 3rd, 1864. 

Patrich Donahue, Third Independent Battery. Mustered in Sept. 15th, 

1864. Mustered out June 23rd, 1865. 

Loren J. Farrell, Co. E, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in April 8tli, 
1862. Died Aug. 8th, 1862, at Harrison's Landing, Va. 

Hugh Fitzpatrick, mustered in Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols., August 
13tli, 1862. Discharged for disability, Feb. 8th, 1863. Mustered in Co. B, 
Seventh Conn. Vols., Dec. 21st, 1863. Died at David's Island, N. Y., 
Aug. 5th, 1864. 

De Grasse Foider, Second Lieut., Co. E, Fifth Conn. Vols. Mustered 
in July 22nd, 1861. Resigned Sept. 23rd, 1804. 

Charles French, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 5tli, 
1862. Wounded July 20th, 1864. Mustered out June 13th, 1865. 

Harpin K. French, Co. K, Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 14th, 
1861. Discharged Oct. 7th, 18(»4 ; term expired. 

Herman B. French, Corporal, Co. F. First Heavv Artillery. Mustered 
in May 23rd, 1861. Discharged, disability, Nov. 18th, 1861. 



SEYMuiTii a:nd vicinity. «>.-. 

Ilohart French, Co. A, Tenth Conn. Vols. JMusteivd in Scjjt. L'lst, ISC.l. 
Discharged, disability, Dec. 21st, 18G1. 

John W. French, Mnsician, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. Mnstercd in Aiiir. 
20th, 1802. Mustered out June 13tli, 1805. 

Robert H. Geisslcr, Sergeant, Co, C, Eleventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in 
October 25th, 1801. Discharged, disability, June 2r)rli, 1802. 

Uyait Gregory, Third Ind. Battery. IMustered in Sept. 21st, 1801. 
Muster<'d out June 23rd, 1805. 

Wm. Oroqan, Co. C, Eleventh Conn. Vols. IMustered in Nov. 14th, 
1801. Enlisted in U. S. Army Nov. 1st, 1802. 

John Ilanlcy, Co. C, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. 8th, 180:5. 
Mustered out Oct. 9th, 1805. 

Wm. Hawley, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 24th, 18(J4. jNIus- 
out June 23, 1805. 

Richard E. Eayden, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. IMustered in I\Iay 
22nd, 1801, Discharged May 21st 1804 ; term expired. 

James W. Hendryx, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 
Gth, 1862. Killed at the battle of Chancellorsville, May 3rd, 1803. 

John W. Holcomh, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd? 
1801. Ee-enlisted Dec. 21st, 1803. Mustered out July IDth, 1805. 

Charles B. Holland, Corporal, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mus- 
tered in Aug. 5th, 18(52. Transferred to Invalid Corps. Mustered out Aug. 
4th, 1805. 

James Holeren, Co. F, Fifth Conn. Vols. IMustered in July 22nd, 18(51, 
Re-enlisted Dec. 21st, 1803. Mustered out July 19th, 1805. 

Geo. ^Y. Iloman, Orderly-Sergeant, Co. II, Twentieth Conn. Vols. 
Mustered in Aug. 0th, 1802. Taken prisoner at Chancellorsville and coufined 
in Richmond prison. Exchanged and returned to service. Tromoted 
Second-Lieut. June Gth, 1805. Mustered out June 13th, 1805. 

Calvin A. Hnhhard, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd, 
1801. Re-enlisted Dec. 21st, 1803. Wounded. Mustered out July IJUh, 
1805. 

Thomas Hurlbnrt, Co. B, First Conn. Cavalry. Mustered in Nov. l!>th, 
1801, re-enlisted Jan. 1st, 1804. Imprisoned at Andersonville. .Mustered 
out Aug. 2nd, 1805. 

Charles Isles, Third Ind. Battery. :\lustered in Sept. 19th, 1S(;4. Mus- 
tered out June 23rd, 1805. 

Andreic Jaclcsoti, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. ITtli. ISO I. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1805. 

Wm. B. Johnson, Sergeant, Co. B, Fifteenth Coini. \'ols. .Mustered in 
July 22nd 1802. Mustered out June 27th, 18(>5. 



90 SEYMOUK Al^D VICINITY, 

Balph Jt((l(l, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in June 22nd, 1804. De- 
serted Nov. 17tli, 1804. 

Simon Latlirop, Co. A, Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 2nd, 1801. 
Killed at Kiuston, N, C, Dec. 14tli, 1802. 

William Lee, Co. C, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. 3rd, 1803. 
Mustered out Sept. 25th, 1865. 

Lewis E. Leiqh, Co. B, First Ileavv xVrtillcrv. Mustered in ]\Iay 22d, 

1801. Ee-enlisted Jan. 1, 1804. 

Albert W. Lounsbury^ Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. INIustered in Aug. Dth, 

1802. Taken prisoner at the battle of Chancellorsville, and sent to Libby 
Prison. Exchanged and returned to service. Mustered out June 13tli, 
1805. 

Henry W. Lounshury, Co. A, Tenth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 2d, 

1801. Died Aug. 14th, 1802, at Newbern, N. C. 

Duane M. Lynde^ Co. D, First Conn. Cavalry. ]Mustered in Nov. 28th, 

1803. Mustered out June 28th, 1805. 

Charles B. Lyons, Co. C, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. 3rd, 
1803. Mustered out Sept. 25th. 1805. 

David Jjuckett, colored. Corporal, Co. C, Thirtieth Conn. Vols. Mustered 
in Feb. 22d, 1804. Mustered out Nov. 7th, 1805. 

Albert 31cArthur, Co. C, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Dec. 3rd, 
1803. Mustered out Sept. 25th, 1805. 

John McCorniicIc, Co. E, First Artillery. Mustered in Sept. 23rd, 18(54. 
Deserted Aug. lOth, 1805. 

Byron ^Y. Mtmson, Co. G, First Conn. CaAalry. Mustered in Dec. 3rd. 
1803. Mustered out Aug. 2nd, 1865. 

Marciis E. Mnnson., Co. R, First Conn. Cavalry. ^Mustered in Dec. 21st, 
1803. Died in Baltimore, Md., Mar. 11, 1804. 

William Nicholas, colored, Co. A, Thirtieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Feb. 
22nd, 1804. Mustered out Nov. 7th, 1805. 

George O'Brien, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 20th, 

1802. Killed at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3rd, 1803. 

BwHd O'Claughessy, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 23rd, 1804. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1805. 

Martin Perry, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Se])t. 24th, 1804. :\lus 
tered out June 23rd, 1805. 

Edward I). Phelps, Co. F, Seventh Conn. \^ols. Mustered in Sept. '.Hli, 
1801. Ke-enlisted Dec. 22d, 1803. Mustered out July 20th, 1805. 

Charles Prince, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. ]\Iustered in ^lay 22d, 
1801. Discharged May 21st, 1804; term ex])ired. 



SEY.MOTni AND VICINrTY. 1)7 

John Y. Reynolds, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Enlisted ^lav 22n(l, 

1801. Discharged May 21st, 1804; term expired. 

John H. Biggs, Co. F, Seventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in Seiit. 9tli, 
1863. Ee-enlisted Jan. 2nd, 1804. Mustered out July 20th, 1805. 

Hennj C. Rogers, Co. I, Second Artillery. IMustered in Aug. 13th, 1802. 
Severely Avounded in the hand at the battle of Fort Fisher, Mar. 25th, 1805. 
Mustered out July 7th, 1805. 

Renry Rose, Co. H, Twentieth Conn, Vols. ^Nhistered in Aug. 8th, 1802. 
Wounded March 19th, 1805. Mustered out Jun(( 23rd, 1805. 

John Ryan, Co. H, 20th Conn. Vols. IMustered in Aug. 20th, lS(i2. 
VTounded May 3rd, 1803. J:)ischarged, disability, June 31st, 1805. 

PatricJc Ryan, Co. I, Twenty-third Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 9th, 

1802. Honorably discharged July 27th, 1803. Mustered in Third Ind. 
Battery, Sept. 19th, 18(54. Mustered out June 23rd, 1865. * 

Wm. E. Ryan, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. IMustered in Aug. 20th, 
1862. Deserted Sept. 11th, 1802. 

David W. ^harpe, Co. B. First Heavy Artillery. Enlisted JVIay 22d, 

1801. Re-enlisted Jan. 1st, 1804. Highly commended by his superior offi- 
cers and recommended for promotion. Mustered out Sept. 25th, 1805. 

Cornelius Shehan, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 23rd, 1804. 
Mustered out Jun(i 23rd, 1805. 

Francis Sheldon, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sei)t. 17th, 18(J4. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1805. 

Sylvester Short, Co. F, Twenty-Third Conn. Vols. iMustered in Se])t. 
8th, 1802. Honorably discharged at expiration of term of enlistment, Aug. 
31st, 1803. 

Anson Smith, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in July 22nd, 18(51. 

Geo. A. Smith, Co. E, First Conn. Vols. IMustered in July 22nd, 1801. 
Discharged .July 22nd, 1804 ; term expired. 

Wilbur IF. Smith, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. iMustered in as First 
Lieut. Aug. 15th, 1802, Taken prisoner at Chancellorsville and contlned in 
Libby prison. Paroled and exchanged. Promoted Captain Jan. 28th, 1803. 
Mustered out June 13th, 1805. 

Jacob L. Still, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. iMustered in Auu', 20th, 

1802. Wounded Julv 3rd, 1803. Transferred to invalid corps Mar. 15tli, 
1804. 

Charles W. Swift, Co. II, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Auii'. 
20th, 1802. Mustered out June 13th, 1805. 

Reuben W. Thai/er, Co. E, Fifth Conn. Vols. ^Mustered in Julv 22nd, 
1801. Ke-enlistedbec. 21st, 1803. Wounded. Mustered out July 19tli, 1805. 



98 SEYMOUK AND VICINITY, 

Wm. Thayer, Co. A, Teatli Conn. Vols. Mustered in Oct. 2na, 1801. 
Transferred to Signal Corps, Sept. 2Gtlj, 1803. 

Ransom P. TomUnsoti, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in May 
22nd, 1801. Deserted July 8tli, 1801. Enlisted in Co. B, First Eeginient 
Cavalry, Nov. 2nd, 1801. Taken prisoner at the battle of the Wilderness, 
confined at Libby and Andersonville. Exchanged and pi-omoted First Ser- 
geant. Re-enlisted Jan. 4th, 1804. Mustered out Aug. 2nd 1805. 

Lucius B. TruesdeU, Co. D, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Nov. 
27th, 1803. Killed in action Sept. 12th, 1804, near Petersburg. Aged 19. 

Byron Tucker, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. Mustered in Sept. 13th, 
1804. Died at Broadway Landing, Va., Nov. 27th, 1804. 

Frederick Tucker, Third Ind. Battery. Mustered in Sept. 17tli, 1804. 
Mustered out June 23rd, 1805. 

Wm. Uminger, Co. C, Eleventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in Nov. 14th, 

1801, Wounded Sept. 17th, 1802. Discharged, disability, April 3rd, 1803. 

Hiram TJpson, Jr., Sergeant, Co. F, Seventh Conn. Vols. Mustered in 
Sept. 9th, 1801, Died June 18th, 1802, of wounds received at James 
Island, S. C, 

Aaron WaJher, colored, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Dec. 
28th, 1803. Mustered out Oct. 24th, 1805. 

Wm. S. Ward, Musician, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in 
Aug. 15th, 1802. Mustered out June 18th, 1805. 

Augustus White, Musician, Co. B, First Heavy Artillery. IMustered in 
May 22nd, 1801. Re-enlisted Jan. 1st, 1804. 

James White, Co. H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in Aug. 0th, 

1802. Killed at Peach Pine Creek, Ga., July 20th, 1804. 

Leslie B. Wooster, Co. C, First Conn. Vols. Mustered in Nov. 21st, 
1801. Discharged, disability, June 23rd, 1802. 

Geo. 8. Wyant, Sergeant, Co, H, Twentieth Conn. Vols. Mustered in 
Aug, 7th, 1802, Died Dec. 15th, 1802. 

Wilson Wyant, Captain, Co. E, Fifth Conn. Vols, Enlisted April 22nd, 
1801; mustered in July 22nd. Resigned on account of disability, Jan. 
31st, 1803. 



• ■^tti.'JC^'vi^iS 



It will thus be seen that notwithstanding differences of opinion which here. 
as throughout the north generally, sometimes gave rise to dissension and 
bitterness, the town contributed liberally of men and means to suppress the 
rebellion and sustain the Union, and our representatives in the terrible con- 
test acquitted themselves bravelv in the defence of the "Red, White and 
Blue." 



sey:\ioitr and vicinity. 99 



S©ldiei*s ©f tho Habellion 

EuIisteJ Elsewliere, lint Burled In Seyuionr, or now ResUents of tlie Town. 



James K. Adams^ Co. R, 15th Conn. Vols. IMustcvtHl in A\v^. (Uli, 1802. 
Mustered out June 27tli, I8G0, at Newbern, S. C. 

T. P. Aylesworth, Sergeant, Co. E, 5th Vermont Vols. Enlisted Aug. 
27tli, 1801. Lost a leg at Fairfax, Va. Honorably discharged Feb. 27tli, 
1862. 

Geo. H. BartleU, Co. B, 128tli NeM' York Vols. Mustered in Sept. 4th, 
18G2, at Hudson, N. Y. Mustered out July ]2tli, 18G5, at Savannah, Ga. 

Edgar Beecher, Co. K, 10th C. V. Mustered in Oct. 5tli, 18G1, from 
Bethany. Died, Aug. 3rd, 18G1, from wounds received at Deep Bottom, 
Va. Buried in the Union Cemetery. 

WUllani Blal-e, Co. L, First Conn. Cavalry. Clustered in from Hartford, 
Dec. IGth, 18G3. Mustered out Aug. 2nd, 18G5. 

John H. Bradley, Co. I, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in from llamden, 
Aug. llrth, 18G2. Wounded. Mustered out June 13tli, 18G5. 

Geo. W. Burrovf/hs, Co. D, 15th W. Va. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 8th, 
18G2. Wounded at Winchester and Laurel Hill, Mustered out IMav 
12th, 1805. 

Henry R. Chamberlain, Co. F, 7th Conn. Vols. Mustered in from lii^d- 
ding, Nov. 4th, 1803. Mustered out July 20th, 1805, at Goldsboro, N. C. 

Horatio 8. Chamberlain, Co. A, 150th N. Y^. Vols. INInstered iu Sept. 
Gth, 1802. Mustered out June 8th, 1805; at Washington. 

F. M. demons, corporal, Co. D., 23rd C. V. Mustered in from Hunting- 
ton, Aug. 30th, 1802. Honorably discharged Aug. 31st, 1803. 

WilUani S. Cooper, from Winchester, Co. E, 2nd Conn. Vol. Artillery. 
Enrolled July 31st, 1802. Pronmted Corporal Oct. 4th, 18G2; jtromoted 
Sergeant Mar. 'llm\ 1803; promoted First Sergeant Jan. 13tli, 1804; 
wounded at the battle of Wincliester, Va., Sept. liirh, 1804 ; promoted Sec- 
ond Lieutenant Feb. 4th, 1804, and assigned to Co. D. Discharged Sei»t. 
0th, 1805. 



100 SEYMOUR AND VICmiTY. 

Clarlc Ford, Co. I, 1st C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in from A^^ood- 
bridge, Feb. 10th, 1861. Mustered out Sept. 25tb, 1865. 

F. C. Gerard, corporal, Co. H, 23rd C. V. Mustered in from ^STaugatuck, 
Sept. 2nd, 1862. Honorably discharged Aug. 31st, 1863. 

William HalUgan, Co. E, 52nd Mass., Vol. 

Robert HeaJey, Corporal, Co. E, 22nd Ind. Vols. Mustered in Sept. 
15th, 1861. Wounded at Perryville, Ken., Oct. 8th, 1862. Ke-enlisted 
December, 1861. Discharged Aug. 1st, 1865. 

Joseph HitchcocJc, corporal, Co. D, 22nd Conn. Vols. Mustered in from 
Bloomfield, Aug. 23rd, 1862. Honorably discharged July 7th, 1863. 

Joseph Ineson, Co. B, 20th Conn. Vols. Mustered in from Derby, Aug. 
2nd, 1862. Wounded July 20th, 1864. Discharged, disability, Feb. 20th, 
1865. 

Martin 0. Judson, Co. D, 20th C. V. Killed at the battle of Gettys- 
burgh, July 3rd, 1863. Buried in Union Cemetery. 

Charles D. Kelsey, Co. E, 5th Vermont Vols. Mustered in Aug 14th, 
1861. Honorably discharged Sept. 16th, 1864. 

G. F. Kelsey, Co.C, 115th 111. Vols., died in '77. Buried in Union Cemetery. 

James B. Matheivs, Co. I, 27th C. V. Mustered in Sept. 1st, 1862, fi-om 
New Haven. Honorably discharged July 27th, 1863. 

Williarn Morris, Co. F, 12th Conn. Vols. Mustered in from Danbury, 
Nov. 23rd, 1861. Re-enlisted Jan. 1st, 1864. Mustered out Aug. 12tli, 1865. 

Richard Pearson, Co. K, 6th U. S. Cavalry. Mustered in Sept. 1st, 
1861. Transferred from 3rd Md. in October, 1862. Mustered out Sept. 
3rd, 1864. 

Benjamin B. Thayer, Co. E, 2nd C. V. Heavy Artillery. Mustered in 
from Canton, Aug. 6th, 1862. Mustered out July 7th, 1865, at Washing- 
ton, D. C. 

John Wooster, Mass. Battalion, Cal. Cavalry. Buried in Union Cemetery. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 101 



lote^, 18$2 to 1870. 



There was au extraordinarily heavy rain June -Ath and 5th, 18G2, followed 
by a high flood. June was remarkable as a very rainy mouth and the 
July following as a very dry one. 

' At the annual town meeting held Oct. 6th, 18G2, Henry Bradley, John 
Davis and Stephen D. Kussell were re-elected selectmen; David Betts, Jr., 
treasurer; Owen Shannon, school visitor. 

An old resident of the vicinity of Bladen's Brook says that the greatest 
freshet ever known on that stream occurred Feb. 7th, 18G3. 

At the annual town meeting in October, Harvey Hotchkiss, Stephen E. 
Eider and Xathan Holbrook, were elected selectmen ; B. W. Smith, town 
clerk; David Betts, Jr., treasurer; and John Chatfield, school visitor. 

A teachers' institute was held in the Congregational Church Jan. 7th, 
8th and 9th, 1864, at which thirty-two teachers were present from Ansonia, Bir- 
mingham, Seymour, Oxford, Naugatuck and Waterbury. Hon. N. D. 
Camp of Kew Britain, lectured on Common Schools in the evening. 

The Day Brothers' Eubbermill was burned on the night of March 18th, 
but was immediately rebuilt. 

The name of the "Stone Schoolhouse" district was changed to " Cedar 
Eidge." 

At the electors' meeting held April 4th, 1864, H. B. Munson was 
elected representative, and the following named persons were elected justices 
of the peace : H. B. Munson, B. W. Smith, J. J. Wilcoxen, C. W. James, 
Wm. B. Stoddard, E. E. Bassett, Israel French, John Chattield, Adonijah 
French, Leonard Wyant. 

At the annual town meeting held Oct. 3rd, Stephen E. Eider, Charles 
A. Wooster and Xathan Holbrook were elected selectmen ; B. \V. Smith, 
town clerk; C.W.James, treasurer; and Frederick Durand, school visitor. 
A resolution was adopted instructing the selectmen and school visitors to 
inquire into the expediency of establishing a graded school, to ascertain if 
a suitable building could be rented for the purpose, the probable expense of 
such school, and t<) report at an adjourned meeting to be held the following 
Saturday. The report was duly made and accepted, and it was voted that 
a school of a higher grade be established. Burton W. Smith, Harvey Hotch- 
kiss and G. \V. Divine were appointed a committee to establish and superin- 
tend the school, and to fix a rate of tuition sufficient to defray the expense. 
Glendinning Hall was leased for a schoolroom, and i\Iiss Ilermance was en- 
gaged as teacher. 

At the electors' meeting held Nov. 8th there were 222 votes cast for the 
democratic presidential electors, and 124 for the republican. 



102 SEYMOUR AND YICIXITY. [1865-8 

At the annual town meeting held Oct. 2ntl, 18G5, Henry Bradley, Philo 
Holbrook and Stephen D. Russell were elected selectmen ; B. W. Smith, 
town clerk ; C. W. James, treasurer ; and O. Evans Shannon, school visitor. 

At the spring election, H. B. Munson was elected representative to the 
General Assembly. 

The house of Capt. James Baker on Great Hill, was burned on the night 
of Nov. 16th. 

H. B. Munson was elected representative April 2nd, 1866. The justices 
elected were J. J. Wilcoxen, H. B. Munson, Israel French, Leonard Wyant, 
Norman Sperry, B. W. Smith, C. W. James, E. R. Bassett, John Chatfield, 
Elbert A. Peck. 

At a special meeting held April 3rd, action was taken relative to building 
a town-house with suitable provision for a high school-hoom, and at a subse- 
quent meeting it was voted to build, not to exceed 40x70 feet ; but at a meet- 
ing held May 18th, to act on a report of the committee as to plan and specifi- 
cations, the whole matter was indefinitely postponed. 

The Fengot Coal Co. was organized in 1866, for the preparation of com- 
pressed fuel from peat. A large swamp near the Woodbridge line was pur- 
chased, building erected, machinery obtained, and some of the fuel prepared 
for use. The venture proved unprofitable and the business was closed up at 
great loss to the stockholders, one of whom stated that his patent fuel had 
cost him one thousand dollars per ton. 

The Rimmon Water Company was organized July 2nd, 1866, and soon 
after commenced building a dam at the place where an abutment had been 
built in 1850. The work was vigorously pushed forward under the direction 
of Raymond French, and finally completed and the gates closed Oct. 27th, 
1867, at a cost of $65,000. The plate or overflow is about 300 feet long and 
the fall nineteen feet. 

The selectmen elected Oct. 1st, were Wm. A. Fairchild, Samuel P. Davis 
and Charles A. Wooster ; town clerk, Edward F. Bassett ; treasurer, Na- 
than R. Wooster ; school visitors, Joshua Kendall and C. W. James ; high 
school committee, G. W. Divine, Sylvester Smith and S. Y. Beach. 

On the 15th of March, 1867, the Naugatuck rose rapidly until at the 
mouth of the river it was fourteen feet and five inches above low water mark. 

At the April election H. B. Munson was again elected representative to 
the General Assembly. 

In October Wm. F. Betts was elected town clerk ; Henry G. Hurd, 
Stephen R. Rider and Adouijah French, selectmen; Henry Davis, town 
treasurer and school visitor. 

A series of revival meetings were commenced in the M. E. Church, 
Rev. Joseph Pullman, pastor, December, 1867, and continued through Janu- 
ary and February, 1868, resulting in quite a number of conversions. A 
series of similar meetings were commenced in the Congregational Church 
Feb. 9th, under the direction of Rev. Allan Clark. 

On the 10th of February, 1868, the Naugatuck rose to thirteen feet and 
three inches above low water mark at ]Jerby. 

At the electors' meeting held April 6th, Carlos French was again elected 
to representative, and H. B" Munson, Adam Newheim, E. R. Bassett, Janu .■- 
Howard, Israel French, Levtis Judd, Matthias Bunyan, C. W. James. 
Leman Whitlock and Philo Holbrook were elected justices of the peace. 

On the 4th of October, 1868, the Naugatuck rose to the highest point 
readied iu fifteen vears, while Littk^ river and Bladen's brook were foaming 



18G8-0] SEYMOIJK AND VICINITY. ]()-> 

torrents. Two bridges ou Bladen's Brook were carried away and tlio new- 
stone bridge by Ames' factory was nmcli damaged. Abont thirty feet of tlie 
wall of the raceway bek)w Kahuia Mills, was also carried away,'stoi)ping all 
the factories on the main stream. 

At the annual meeting held Oct. ath, ISGS, Stephen II. Culver, Samuel 1'. 
Davis and (^leo. W. Divine were elected selectmen ; S. II. (!anfield, town 
clerk; Henry Davis, treasurer; Joshua Kendall, school visitor; Joshua 
Kendall and Henry B. Beecher, assessors; Joshua Kendall and Henry 
r>rad ley, registrars of electors ; Joseph J. Wilcoxen, S. II. ('anlield, i\. 
AV. Divine, Aslibel Storrs, Henry B. Davis, Israel French, grand jurors; 
Sylvester Smith and Sharon Y. Beach, board of relief. The total vote was 
oal) ; averagi; republican majority, .30. 

At an adjourned town meeting held Oct. 12tli, the following resolutions 
were adopted : 

Eenolved, That the selectmen be instructed to cause their annual rejjort 
to be printed, and have at least five hundred cojjies, to be left at the town 
clerk's office on or before the 28th of September in each year, for distriltution 
among the voters of the town. Such report shall contain the amount of each 
bill and to whom paid, the amount paid for the support of the poor out of 
the Alms House, and for Avhoin the expense was incurred, the amount 
paid to each town officer for services, and any other information which 
they may deem necessary to show the expenses and indebtedness of the town ; 
to which shall be added the report of the town treasurer. 

Eefiolred, That the school districts of this town be consolidated into one 
school district, to be known as the Seymour School District, and that chapter 
87 of the laws passed May session, 1807, are hereby referred to and made 
part of this regulation. 

At an adjourned town meeting held Oct. I5th, the following nanu'd per- 
sons were elected a committee of the Seymour School District : Eli Gillette, / 
C. AV. Storrs, J. W. Bassett, Joshua Kendall, C. W. James, Ilarpin Kiggs, 
Joel R. Chatfield, Peter Worth, Henry Davis. At the first meeting of 
the school board J. Kendall was chosen chairman ; Henry Davis, Secretary 
and treasurer ; and J. Kendall and Henry Davis, school visitors. 

The funeral of Carl Zurcher, junior agent of the Kalraia Mills, Dec. 
10th, was attended by a large concourse of his friends. He had resided in 
Seymour four and a half years, and was highly esteemed by those who knew 
him best. 

The rebuilding of Smith's papermill, which was burned Jan. 11th, 1809, 
was comi)leted in March. The Kalmia Mills (Jo. contracted for three dwel- 
ling houses of four tenements each to be erected on Third street. Business 
was thriving and the place grew rapidly, the grand list of the town exceed- 
ing $1,000,000. Messrs. Heudryx & Peck i)urchased the old car sho}) nortli 
of the depot and remodelled it into a store and several tenenu-nts. 

At the April election Phiio Molbrook was elected rei)resentative to the 
General Assembly of 1800. 

The second meeting of the Seymour School District for the election of 
members of the board, was held in the High School room Sept. 2oth, and 
Elliott It. liassett, Samuel A. Beach and Henry Davis were elected for 
three y(^ars. 

In October the town clerk and selectnu'U were re-elected: S. 11. Can- 
field was electe<l treasurer ; Joshua Kendall and Henry IJradley, registrars 
of voters; Joshua Kendall and \V. W. Smith, assessors; Aslibel St(»rrs, (!. 
W. Divine, N. It. W'ooster, Eli Gillette, J. W. Smith and Nonnan Sperry, 



104 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



gi-and jurors ; and John W. Bassett, registrar of births, marriages and 
deaths. 

Kahnia Mills were closed the following winter, and in its failure seemed 
to betoken decreased prosperity for the ensuing decade ; yet the place has 
continued to grow, and in 1877 the population was at least five hundred more 
than in 1870. The debt of the town, which in 1869, was over twenty-three 
thousand dollars, has virtually been paid, only two bonds, not yet due, being 
outstanding, and these more than balanced by the assets of the town. The 
various industries of the town are now improving and there seems to be no 
reason why the season of depression through which we have just 
should not be followed by prosperity and renewed growth. 



■■:-'i5,??5*%^^;^^i2;i^%?^i^^ 



TOWN CLEEKS, TKEASUKEKS AND EEPEESENTATIYES. 







TOWN CLERKS. 


TREASDRF.RS. 


REPRESENTATIVES. 


1850- 


-Charles B. 


Wooster. 


Sylvester Smith. 


* Sylvester Smith. 


1851 


a 




u 


Burton W. Smith. 


Bennett Wooster. 


1852 


a 




a 


u a 


Sylvester Smith. 


1853 


u 




u 


u a 


Harris B. Munson. 


1854 


u 




a 


u u 


a u 


1855 


ii, 




a, 


a u 


Luzon B. Morris. 


1856 


u 




u 


Hiram W. Randall. 


a u 


1857 


u 




u 


Burton W. Smith. 


Henry C. Johnson. 


1858 


u 




u 


u u 


Charles B. Wooster. 


1859 


u 




u 


Henry S. Johnson. 


Samuel L. Bronson. 


1860 


u 




u 


1.1. a 


Carlos French. 


1861 


u 




iC 


David Betts, Jr. 


Clark Wooster. 


1862 


u 




u 


a u u 


Abel Holbrook. 


1863- 


-Burton W. 


Smith. 


u u u 


Harris B. Munson. 


1864 


" 




a 


Cornelius W. James. 


a u 


1865 


u 




" 


u a 


a u 


1866- 


-Edwai 


rd F. 


Bassett. 


Nathan R. Wooster. 


u a 


1867- 


-William F. 


. Betts. 


Henry Davis. 


n u 


1868- 


-Samuel H. 


Canfield. 


u u 


Carlos French. 


1869 


a 




a 


Samuel H. Canfield. 


Philo Holbrook. 


1870 ■ 


a 




ii 


u u 


Virgil H. McEweu. 


1871 


a 




u 


a u 


Smith Botsford. 


1872 


ii 




u 


u u 


James Swan. 


1873 


u 




u 


a a 


Horatio N. Egglestou 


1874 


u 




a 


u a 


Edmund Day. 


1875 


" 




u 


a u 


Lewis A. Camp. 


1876 


u 




u 


u u 


Henry P. Day. 


1877 


u 




u 


a a 


Samuel A. Beach. 


1878 


u 




u 


a a 


Albert B. Dunham. 


* For 


Towu of 


Derby 


. Josliua Keuilall represented tlie town of Derby in J 849. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 105 



SELECTMEN OF THE TOWxN OF SEYMOUR. 

1850-51, Leiiian Chatfield, Daniel L. Ilolbrook, Thomas Cochran. 

1852, Isaac B. Davis, Sliaron Y. Beacli, Ilarpiu liiggs. 

1853, Lenian ChattieUl, llavpiu Eiggs, Jabez E. Pritchard. 

1854, Ilarpin Riggs, Jabez E. Pritchard, Ucinry Bradley, 

1855, Jabez E. Pritchard, Henry Bradley, IMiilo Ilolbrook. 
185G, Sheldon Church, Miles Culver, Daniel L. Hoi brook. 
1857-8, Henry Bradley. Edwin Smith, Abel Holbrook. 
1859-00, Henry Bradley, Edwin Smith, Stephen I). Russell. 
1801-2, Henry Bradley, John Davis, Stephen D. Russell. 
1803, Harvey Hotchkiss, Stephen R. Rider, Nathan Holbrook. 
180-1, Stephen R. Rider, ('harles A. Wooster, Nathan Ilolbrook. 
1805, Henry Bradley, Philo Holbrook, Stephen D. Russell. 
1800, Wni. A. Fairchild, Samuel P. Davis, Charles A. Wooster. 
1807, Henry G. Hurd, Stephen R. Rider, Adonijah French. 
1808-9, Stephen H. Culver, Samuel P. Davis, George W. Divine. 

1870, Sharon Y. Beach, Nathan R. Wooster, Samuel P. Davis. 

1871, Edwin Smith, Frank C. Gerard, Edwin Buckingham. 

1872, Edwin Smith, Frank C. Gerard, Roswell N. Kinney. 

1873, Lewis A. Camp, Frank C. Gerard, Roswell N. Kinney. 

1874, Lewis A. Camp, Cornelius W. James, Samuel P. Davis. 

1875, Lewis A. Camp, Cornelius W. James, Frederick M. demons. 
1870, Lewis A. Camp, Frank E. Steele, Frederick M. demons. 

1877, Lewis A. Camp, Frank E. Steele, Edward L. Iloadley. 

1878, Horace A. Radford, Frank E. Steele, Edward L. Iloadley. 



JUSTICES OF THE PEACE. 

For lists previous to 1870 see foregoing pages. 

1870, H. B. Munson, J. J. Wilcoxen, B. W. Smith, Israel French, Na- 
than Holbrook, Matthias Bunyan, Sanmel Roselle, David Betts, Jr., Adam 
Newheini, S. Y. Beach. 

1872, H. B. Munson, Geo. A. Rogers, Wni. S. Cooper, Henry P. Davis, 
Edwin Tomiinson, Geo. W. Divine, Wilson Wyant, Henry B. Beecher, C. 
W. James, Sheldon Tucker. 

1874, G. W. Divine, James Swan, L. A. Camp, Ebenezer Fairchild, 
W. N. Storrs, S. Y. Beach, S. P. Davis, W. S. Cooper, F. M. demons, C. 
W. James. 

1870, F. M. demons, \Vm. R. Tomiinson, G. AY. Divine, W. S. 
Cooper, H. S. Chamberlin, J. W. Rogers, Samuel Butler, S. Y. Beach, 
Ashbel Storrs, Theodore S. Ladd. 

1878, Edwin Buckinj^ham, (^ustave Becker, John W. Rogers, Frederick 
M. demons, William R. Tomiinson, Januis liuckley, Horatio S. Cham- 
berlin, Ashbel StoiTS, John Smith, William S. Cooper. 



106 SEYMOUPt AXD VICIXITY, 




c^^NTIL 185C tlie scliools were managed by districts and school societies. 

'^^ ' The districts oh the east side of the river constituted the First School 
Society, and those on the west side the Second School Society. The 
nicctiuiis of the latter were held in the meeting house on Great Hill 
from 1824: to 1851, when the whole of the districts of Seymour were 

united in one Society. The Kaugatuck river was made the division line 

between the two societies by an act of the Asseml)ly in 1832. (Pr. Acts, Vol. 

2, p. 1086.) In 1841 the boundaries were deliued as follows : 

We the School Committee of the Second School Soiii*ly in the Town of Derby have laid and 
established the fourth Day of June, A. D., 1842, the following described bounds and limits to the 
2d School Society in Derby, viz., commencing at the Town bounds between Derby and Oxford, on 

the west side of the highway a few rods of the House now occupied by Oliver Nettleton, thence 

proceeding m a direct line south-westerly to the former site of the old District School House at 
the center of which site we have laid bounds ; thence proceeding in a direct line a little south of west 
to bounds laid by us near an old cellar about three rods south of a large pine tree, said bounds on the 
highway near the fence, thence proceeding in a direct line a little south of east to a large rock a little 
oft' the road near the house of Jube Weston, by a spring, on which rock we have laid bounds ; thence 

proceeding in a direct line south easterly to bounds laid by us on the highway about two rods of 

small house now occupied by the widow of Ephraim Allen and James Harding; thence proceeding 
in the same direction until the line strikes Naugatuck river; from thence said district is bounded on 
the east and separated from the first society by Naugatuck river until it meets the line between 
Derby and Oxford, when it strikes the west side of the said river ; from thence said district is bound- 
ed on the north by said town line, running west until it strikes the bounds on the highway first com- 
menced at. Said boundaries of the above named district, so far as they have not been legally settled 
and defined before, are hereby settled and defined by us. 

ANSON DAVIS, ) Society 

JAMES C. TOMLINSON, S Committee. 

At each annual meeting of the Second Society were elected a moderator, 
clerk, treasurer, a society's committee of threes, a visiting committee of nine, 
and until 1840 the district committees were elected at the Society's meetings. 

The Shrub Oak district ai)pears to have hwu first included in the Second 
Society in 1831. 

At a special meeting of the voters of the Great Hill School Society held 
Sept. 30th, 1851, it was voted that the fund of the Great Hill School Society 
be divided eiiually l)etween the four districts, and that the first meeting of the 



SEYMOUR AXI) VICINITY. 107 

Scliool Society of Scynioiir be hold in tlio (\nigi-ciratioii;il("liiir(Ii in Ilmii- 
pbrcysville. At tlic said first nicctiiiu- Daniel L. Ilolljrook was eleeted cliaii- 
nian ; ]>. AV. Smith, elerk ; (l, l'\ I)(;K()rest, treasurer; Sylvester Smith, S. 
Y. Ijoach and Ilarjiin I J i,u\<i's, society's C(»mmittee; John 15. Steel, collector ; 
and Joshua Kemlall, visiting- and examininii; cuniniittee. The nmiiiters of the 
districts were continued the same excei)t that the Falls district, now the Center 
district, which had been known as the eighth, was made the sixth. 

At a special meeting of the Seymour Scliool District held I'eh 1st, ISO!), 
it was voted to purchase a lot in the Pines and to build thereon a school-house 
of sufficient capacity to accomodate KJO scholars. A tax was to be laid suffi- 
cient to raise the sum of .$(),0(H) to defray the ex])enses. The lot was pur- 
chased at a cost of $700 and is still held by the town, but on account of ob- 
jections to the location the school-house has not been built. 



SCHOOL YISITOKS OF THE TOWN OF SEYMOUR. 

ELECTED IN SCHOOL SOCIETY MEETINGS. 
1850 to 1855, Joshua Kendall. 
1855-0, Sylvester Smith. 

ELECTED IN TOWN MEETING, FOR THREE YEARS EACH. 

The stars indicate those elected eacli year. 

1850-7, George F. DeForest,* Philo B. Buckiugham,* Luzon V>. Morris,* 
1857-8, Joshua Kendall,* Sharon Y. Beach.* 

1858-0, Joshua Kendall, Sharon Y. Beach, Philo B. Buckingham,* 
1850-00, Joshiui Kendall, Sharon Y. Beach,* Philo B. Buckingham. 
1800-1, Joshua Kendall,* Sharon Y. Beach, Philo B. Buckingham. 
18G1-2, Joshua Kendall, Sharon Y. Beach, Charles B. \V'"ooster.* 
1802-3, Joshua Kendall, Charles B. VVooster, Rev. Owen F. Shannon.* 
1803-4, llev. Owen E. Shannon, Frederick J)urand, John Chatlield.* 

F. Duraud elected by the other visitors to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of C. H.Woostcr. 

1304-5, llev. Owen E. Shannon, Frederick Durand,* John Chatfield. 
1805-0, Rev. O. Evans Shannon,* Frederick Durand, John Chatfield. 
1800-7, Rev. O. Evans Shannon, Frederick Durand, Cornelius \Y. James.* 

F. Durand resigned May 2i, 1807, and J. Kendall was elected to (ill the vacancy. 

1807-8, Joshua Kendall, Cornelius W. James, Henry Davis.* 

ELECTED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. 

1808-0, Joshua Kendall, Cornelius W. James, Henry Davis. 

1809-70, Joshua Kendall, Cornelius \V. James, Henry Davis. 

1870-1, Joshua Kendall. 

1871-2, Joshua Kendall, Edmund Day, Ilarpin Kiggs. 

1872-3, Joshua Kendall, Samuid P. Davis. 

1873-4, Joshua Kendall, Xorman Sperry. 

1874-5, Joshua Kendall, ^'il•gil II. ^fcEwen, Xorman Sjx'rry. 

1875-0, Joshua Kendall, Virgil II.McEwen, William C. Sharpe, 

1870-7, Joshua Kendall, Virgil 11. McEwen, William C. Sharpe. 

1877-8, Joshua Kendall, William C. Shariie. 

1878-0, Joshua Kendall, William C. Sharix-. 



108 SEYMOUR AXD VICINITY. 

MEMBEES OE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION. 

ELECTED IN UNION SCHOOL MEETING. 

)/' 
1808, elected for one year — Cornelius James, Henry Davis, Eli Gillette. 
For tiro i/fors — Harpin Riggs, John W. Bassett, John R. Chatfield. 
For three years — Joshua Kendall, Peter Worth, C. W. Storrs. 

1869, Elliott R. Bassett, Samuel A. Beach, Henry Davis. 

Carlos French was elected by the board June 6th, 1870, to fill the vacancy caused by the re- 
moval of Henry Davis. 

1870, Harpin Riggs, Wilbur W. Smith, John W. Bassett. 

1871, Joshua Kendall, Edmund Day, Thomas James. 

ELECTED IN TOWN MEETING. 

1872, Carlos French, A. Y. Beach, Samuel P. Davis. 

A. Y. Beach resii^ned Nov. I2th and S. H. Cantield was appointed by the Board to fill the vacancy. 

1873, Sharon Y. Beach, Norman Sperry, H. N. Eggleston. 

1874, V. H. McEwen, Joshua Kendall, Edmund Day. 

1875, S. H. Canfield, Carlos French, William C. Sharpe. 

1876, Sharon Y. Beach, Frederick M. Clemons, Nathan Holbrook. 

1877, Edmund Day, Joshua Kendall, Norman Sperry. 

V. H. McEweu elected to till vacancy caused by resignation of Norman Sperry, until the next 
town election. 

1878, S. H. Canfield, W. C. Sharpe, David Tucker, James Howard. 

James Howard to fill vacancy for two years. 



GREAT HILL SCHOOL, Xo. 1. 

This is probably the oldest school in the town. An abstract of a volume 
of the earlier records is given on pages 19 and 20. 

At a meeting of the Second Society held Nov. 7th, 1831, Wm. Smith, 
Samuel Wire and Samuel Meigs were appointed a committee to designate a 
location for a new school-house in the First or Great Hill District, and 
decided upon the north-east angle of the roads below the present location of 
the church. 

The district line was changed by vote of the school society Oct. 12, 1843, 
as follows : 

Resolved, That so much of the 1st school district, 2d society in Derby, be and hereby is, set 
off to the 5th school district in Oxford, as lies north and west of a line beginning at the Oxford line, 
by the dwelling-house of Andrew S. Graham, running southeasterly to the corner of road leading 
to Rock-house Hill ; thence by said road to the corner of land of Abel and Benjamin English, near 
the house of Christopher Smith ; thence northwesterly to Oxford line, including the house of Abel 
and Benjamin English. 

The lines were laid out anew Nov. 1st, 1843, as follows : 

Whereas, The record defining the lines of the Great Hill School District in the second school 
society in Derby being lost, and the undersigned committee being empowered by an act of the legis- 
lature of the State of Connecticut, passed 1841, to lay out new and establish old lines, do make 
and establish the following lines, which shall constitute the school district of Great Hill, viz : Begin- 
ning eighty rods from the mouth of Toby Brook on 2d brook; thence hi a straight line to the north- 
east corner of Monroe Scrantou's farm ; thence in a straight line to Josiah Bassett's saw mill ; thence 
in a straight line to the west side of the highway, running by the dwelling-house formerly belonging 
to Truman Hawkins, now Anson Davis; thence on the west side of said highway until opposite a 
pine tree standing near the Rowe place, so-called ; thence in a straight line to the town bounds lying 
in the highway some thirty or forty rods south of Stephen Baldwin's dwelling-house; thence on the 
town line until it comes in a parallel line with the road south of Abel and Benjamin English ; thence 
following the lines of that part of said English farm lying north of said road to the town line ; thence 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 109 

on town line to a stone bridge near the dwelling-house of widow Ammon Toralinson ; thence on the 
town line to the northwest corner of Benuet Lum's farm, adjoining Simeon Ilinuian's land; thence 
in a straight line to the place of beginning. The above lines shall constitute and define the school 
district of the Great Hill. 

LUTHER FOWLER, , 

' Society Committee. 
Done in Derby. Nov. 1st, 1813. 



LUTHER FOWLER,) 
EPHRAI.M SMITH, >! 
WM. D. LU.M, > 



In 1852, by joint action of the School Society and the 1st aiul 4th dis- 
tricts, the Squantnck district was consolidated with the Great Hill district, 
and the lines were defined as follows : 

Whereas, The legal voters of the school society in the town of Seymour, at a meeting warned 
and held on the 3rd day of July, 1852, voted to annex the Squantuck School District to the First 
School District in said school society; There/ore, We, the undersigned Society's Committee, hereby 
establish the following described lines and boundaries annexed, viz: Beginning at the Ousatonic 
river, at the mouth of the Old Field brook at the boundarj' of the school society line between Derby 
and Seymour, running easterly on said line to the late dwelling-house of Philo Lum, deceased, 
leaving said dwelling-house in the North District in Derby School Society ; thence running easterly 
on school society line to a heap of stones on a rock at the west corner of Asa Bassctt's land, about 
thirty rods southerly of the house occupied by Miles Brouson ; thence running northerly by the Bunga 
School District to Josiah Bassett's saw mill ; thence northerly in a straight line to the west side of 
the highway at the east side of the Beard land, so called, southerly of the dwelling-house of Marcus 
Davis; thence on the west side of said highway till opposite a pine tree standing near the Rowe 
place, so called; thence north-westerly to the old town bounds in the highway, about thirty rods 
south of the house of Stephen Baldwin ; thence west on society line between 0.\ford and Seymour 
to the west side of highway in front of the dwelling-house of Andrew S. Graham ; thence south- 
westerly to the corner of the road leading to Rock-house Hill; thence by said road to the corner of 
land of Abel and Benjamin English, near the house of Christopher Smith ; thence north-westerly to 
the school society line between Oxford and Seymour; thence on said line to stone bridge on Rock- 
house Hill road, north of the Ammon Tomlinsou place, so called; thence on society line to the 
north-west corner of Bennet Luui's farm, adjoining Simeon Hinman's land; thence straight line to 
the south end of Otter Rocks on the Ousatonic river; thenceby the east side of the Ousatonic river 
to the first-mentioned bounds; and the above-described lines and boundaries hereby constitute the 
boundaries of the First School District in Seymour. 

SYLVESTER SMITH, ? o„„,,.,„.^ (V.MMrTTEK 
Dated at Seymour, Feb. 22d, I&j.x HIRAM UPSON. \ »t)Cifc.Ti s LOMMiTXLh. 

The above is a true record. Attest : 

B. W. SMITH. Clebk. 

At a town meeting held Oct. 1st, 1877, it was voted that a new school- 
house be built at an expense of $700 and that the location be changed to the 
angle of the roads on the Hill near the house of Win. R. Toiulinson. The 
building was corapleted about the first of January, 1878. 

TEACHERS. 



1826, Heury Scott. 

1827, Eliza Russell, Heury Burton. 

1828, Maria Wattles, Simon Curtiss, Jr. 

1829, Jaue Totulinson, Simon Cuitiss, Jr. 

1830, Catberiue Umbertield, S. Ciirtiss, Jr. 

1831, Jaue Fowlei, Simou Ciirtiss, Jr. 



1832, Betsey Tomlinsou, Jolm Rijigs, Jr. 

1833, Jane Fowler, Simou Curtiss, Jr. 

1834, Lilly Wakeley, Johu Lindley. 

1835, Jaue Fowler, Silas Huid. 

183U, Sanih A. Benliam, Simou Curtiss, Jr. 
1837, Maty A. Smith, Davi.l Hawes. 



110 

1838, Sarah Lindley. 

1839, Miss Davis, John Liudley. 

1840, Sarah E. Gilbert, Judson Caudee. 

1841, Sarah M. Osborn, John Lindley. 

1842, Eliza. A. Mansfield, Merwin Boweu. 

1843, Ann Eliza Shelton, Abel Holbrook. 

1844, C. A. Fowler, A. T. Hotchkiss. 

1845, Elizabeth Duraud, Merwin Bowen. 

1846, Maria Cbatfield, William Bristol. 

1847, Jane M. Wooster, Albert E. Smith. 

1848, Jane M. Wooster. 

1849, Frances E. Wooster, Gid. H. Candee. 

1850, Eliza Lum, Betsey Cable. 

1851, Rossetta Bassett, Henry Harger. 

1852, Mary Bradley, Charles Gillette. 

1853, Augusta Sanford. 

1854, Juliette Wooster, John Allen. 

1855, Augusta Sanford, Clark E. Lum. 

1856, Julia A. Fairohild, John Smith. 

1857, Julia A. Fairchild, Marcus E. Hyde. 



SEYMOUR AND VICIXITY, 



18.58, Nancy Sutton, R. S. Hinman. 

1859, Mary F. Meacham, Clark E. Lum. 

1860, Elvira W. Somers, Eben G. Wheeler. 

1861, Elvira W. Somers, Jane E. Tyrrell. 

1862, Jane E. Tyrell. 

1863, Frances E. Wheeler, H. A. Tomlinson 

1864, Martha E. Davis, John Killon. 

1865, Martha E. Davis, C. C. Burwell. 

1866, C. C. Burwell, Martha E. Davis. 
1867-8, Martha E. Davis. 

1869, Sophia Davis. 

1870, Virginia Davis. 

1871, Emily A. Smith, Emmarette Sperry. 

1872, C. E. Lum, E. Sperry, C. E. Lum. 

1873, C. E. Lum, 2 t ; Matilda Smith. 

1874, Rufus Spencer, Lottie E. Booth. 

1875, Rufus Spencer, Clara S. Rider. 

1876, Clara S. Rider, Hattie Riggs. 

1877, Josie E. Ladd. 

1878, Rufus Spencer, Phoebe Tomliuson. 



SHEUB OAK SCHOOL, No. 2. 

The records of the Shrub Oak District not having been handed over to 
the town clerk, are not now available, and but little account can be given of 
it. The district seem to have been set off Dec. 27th, 1779. See page 47. 
The names of the teachers, so far as ascertained, are : 

Winter terms of 1846-7, 1847-8, 1848-9, F] 

Oct., 1861, to April, 1863, Rhoda Kendall, 

Summer of 1866, Sarah Swift. 

Fall of 1866 to Dec, 1876, C. C. Burwell. 

Jan., 1877, to July, 1878, Harriet Riggs. 

Sept., 1878, Josie E. Ladd. 



bu:n"gay school, :n^o. 3. 

Records not filed in town clerk's office. 

TEACHERS. 

May, 1867 to Oct., 1868, Emma S. Tomliuson. 
Oct., 1868, to 'July, 1869, Sarah M. Riggs. 
Sept., 1869, to April, 1870, Alice :N"orthrop. 
April, 1870, to July, 1872, Sarah M. Riggs. 
Sept., 1872, to July, 1873, L. Davis. 
Sept., 1873, to July, 1874, Ellen C. Hard. 
Sept., 1874, to July, 1875, Hattie J. Riggs. 
Sept., 1875, to 1878, Hattie Bassett. 



SEYxAIOUK AXD VICINITY. 



Ill 



CEDAR RIDGE SCHOOL, No. 4. 

The fifth district was divided in 1837, the new district, called the seventh, 
being bounded southerly by a line from the mouth of Bladen's brook, easterly 
to the Woodbridii'e line, passing south of the house of Haniuel II. llickox. 
The first meeting of tlie new district was held Aug. 30th, and arrangements 
commenced for building a school-house. The location was selected by Joel 
White, Isaac White and Joel II. Ohatfield, and at a meeting held Sept. 20th 
it was voted to accept the proposals of Solomon Terrell to build a stone school- 
house, 18 X 25 feet, 7^ feet clear, with six whidows of 24 lights and one of 1) 
lights, to be plastered 'inside and out, witli a hall of five feet in width at one 
end, and two doors from the hall; the whole to be completed for 8175. 
Terrell was afterward allowed $8 for extra work, and some slab benches and 
sloping boards for writing-desks, with a stove and desk and chair for teacher, 
completed this "temple of science" in time for the winter school. It was 
found necessary to remove tlie partition in 1843 to enlarge the school-room. 
The teacher was then paid $2.25 per A\'eek and re(iuired to "board around." 
Board being then estimated at $1.75, the teacher's services were valued at 
$4 per week, teaching five and one-half days. The next year the price was 
raised one dollar per week. In 1852 it became evident that a larger school- 
house was needed, and in July it was voted to build 26 x 40 feet, but at a 
subsequent meeting the matter was indefinitely postponed. 

January 31st, 18G8, it was voted to build a new school-house, and Smith 
Botsford, Ashbel Storrs and Joel 11. Chatlield were api»ointed building com- 
mittee. The size finally determined upon was 27'. x 34 feet, to cost $1,700, 
including furniture of the best patterns. The school-house was well built, by 
Ashbel Storrs, and is a credit to the district. Up to 1803 the building had 
been known as the "Stone School-house." The name, "Cedar Kidge," was 
then given to the school and has since been retained. 

Charles Oatman was clerk of the district from 1837 to 1849, and Sylves- 
ter Smith from 1849 until the schools of the town were consolidated in 18G8. 

The old stone building, small, inconvenient and anti(iuated, is yet the 
subject of many pleasant reminiscences by teachers and scholars, now scattered 
among the scenes of busy life, to whom the following list of teachers will 
recall pleasant memories of. by-gone days. 



TEACUIEUS. 



1841, A. T. Ilotchkiss, winter term. 
I8i2, Frauces N. Thomas, two terms. 
1843, Laura Tomlinsoii, George Bassett. 
1H44, Laura Tomliiison, H. B. Muusou. 
184.^, Miss Fairchilcl, H. B. Munson. 
184G, Charlotte M. Smith, Jane E. Terrell. 

1847, Annie Holcomb, Wm. E. Holbrook. 

1848, Henry Warren. 

1849, Kosotta Bassett, Mrs. P. E. Clark. 

1850, Rosetta Bassett, Mary A. Wooster. 

1851, Miss Fairchild, Frederick Durand. 
185'2, M. A. Wooster, Frederick Durand. 

1853, Miss Hull, Frederick Durand. 

1854, M. A. Wooster, Thomas Munson. 



185,5, Eliza Clark, Thomas Munson. 
185G, Charles T. Ilotchkiss, Miss Upson. 
18.57, Eliza .I.Tuttle, two terms. 

1858, Jane Doolittle, Clark Lum. 

1859, Marietta Benham, David Hawley. 
18G0, Laura M. French, Joel F. Selleck. 
18G1, Kate McKay, Clark E. Lnm. 
1862, Lucy A. Atwood, two terms. 
18G3, Julia Leavenworth, W. C. Sharpe. 
18G4, Mrs. M. A. Gleason, Miss Swift. 
1HG5, Jo.sophine A. Walker. 

186G, Minerva Bassett, Miss Bradley. 
18G7, Mary Chatfiehl, three terms. 
18G8, Mary Chatlield. 



112 



1869, Mary Chatfield, Josephine Walker. 

1870, J. Walker, 2 t; L. C. Chatfield. 

1871, L. Cornelia Chatfield. 

1872, L. Cornelia Chatfield. 

1873, L. Cornelia Chatfield. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

1874, L. Cornelia Chatfield, C. F. Abbott 



Libbie O. Lockwood. 

1875, Libbie O. Lockwood. 

1876, Clara F. Abbott, E. O. Lockwood. 
1877-8, Libbie O. Lockwood. 



DISTRICT COMMITTEES. 


1837, Isaac White. 


1851, Ashbel Storrs. 


1838, Jared Bassett. 


1852, Samuel Hickox. 


1839, Sylvester Smith. 


1853, Henry W. Benedict. 


1840, Oliver Stoddard. 


1854, Smith Terrell. 


1841, Samuel Bassett. 


18.55, Wm. B.Watson. 


1842, Hiram Upson. 


1856, David Johnson. 


1843, Joel R. Chatfield, 


1857, Wm. F. Gilyard. 


1844, Smith Botsford. 


1858, Wilson Wyant. 


1845, Israel French. 


1859, Wm. W. Dibble. 


1846, Julius Bassett. 


1860, Lorenzo M. Bassett, 


1847, Wm. B. Watson. 


1861-2, Smith Terrell. 


1848, David Johnson. 


1863-6, Ashbel Storrs. 


1849, Stephen H. Culver. 


1867, Joel R. Chatfield, (app. by Sch. Vis.) 


1850, George Merrick. 


1868, David Johnson. 



THE BELL SCHOOL, Xo. 5. 

In 1769 Joseph JohnsoD deeded a piece of land on the east side of Pearl 
street, a little south of the house of Smith Terrell, for a location for a school 
house, as follows : 

Know all men by these Presents, that I, Joseph Johnson of Derby in the 
County oj Netv Haven, Collony of Connecticut, New England, do firmly set, remit ^ releas 
unto the proprietors of the third Destrictfor Schooling in Derhy, one certain jyiece of landpitch 
upon by the proprietors of the third Destrict, to set up a School Bouse upon for the benefit of 
Said Destrict, containing twenty feet square, for the term of Ninety Nine years Next Coming 
the Date hereof, to have ^- to hold it for the use said schoolhouse. 

Furthermore I the said Johnson do promis for myself, my heirs, Executors ^- Adminis- 
trators, to defend the Same from all Claims and demands whatsoever. In witness whereof 
I have hereunto set my hand and seal this oth Day of may in the year of our Lord, one 
thousand Seven hundred Sixty Nine. 

Signed, sealed and delivered in presents of 

Benjamin Vrauford. JOSEPH JOHNSON. 

Uezekuih Johnson. 

This school-house seems to have been occupied about forty years. In 
that time the number of the district was changed to six, and in 1799 it was 
known as the Chusetown District. 

At a school meeting held in the school-house September, 27th, 1799, 
Lieut. E. Beecher Johnson Avas chosen moderator and Bradford Steele, Jr., 
clerk. At this meeting Calvin Lines was engaged to teach the school six 
months at $11 per month, or, if he should continue a year, he was to teach at 
$10.50 per month. At an adjourned meeting, held October 7th at the house 
of Joseph Johnson, Leroy Tomlinson and Bezaleel Peck were chosen a com- 
mittee "to pitch a stake for a school-house." 

On the 21st of November, 1803, it was voted that Daniel Holbrook and 
Amadeus Dibble be a committee to repair the school-house and build an 



SEYiMOUR AND VICINITY. 113 

ndditioii 14 feet lonj; with two chimneys, the whole to be conipk-teil bv Oct. 
4, 1804, and painted Spanish brown. Chauncey Jolmson was eh'cted district 
committee. 

On tlie 8th day of February, 1804, tlie followinir persons were recorded as 
residents of the district : *' Levi Tomlinson, Es(|., -Idc! Chatliekl, .lesse Johnson, 
Ebenezer B. Jolmson, Amadeus Dibel, Daniel Hdlbrook, ,In'., Vauh-]\ French' 
Gibson Smith, Isaac Johnson, Amos Dorman, Hezalei'l Perk, Isaac Cliais 
Ebeuezer Peck, Charles French, John^Vheler, Samuel Smith, Jarvis Downs,' 
Elephas Bradley, John White, Isaac Bostick, Joseph Johnson, Jienjamin 
Beach, Simeon Beach, Hezekiah Johnson, Erazmass Sperry, Ashbell Steel, 
John Crawford, Lydia Keney, Phebe Dayton, Uanali Stodard, Nathan Stiles, 
Silas Baldwin, Elezer Patchen, James Leach, Charles Deal, .Alary Bartis, 
Sebrie Molthroop, Bradford Steele, John Slienson, Hezekiah Tomsoii, Josiah 
Swift, Lydia Cowel, Oliver Clark, Kichard Freeman, Isrel French, Iteubeu 
Davis. Sergt. Chaumcey Johnson, Clerk." 

At a meeting held Oct. 17th, 1805, the valuation of "good wood brought 
to the school-house" was estimated at "82 a chord, the IMaster to be the judge 
of the size of the loads." Special committees were appointed to repair the 
school-house nearly every year from 1802 until 1812. 

In 1810 John Ward was hired for the winter at $20 per month, he to 
be his own collector, and John T. Wheeler was appointed clerk. At an 
adjourned meeting, held Nov. 22nd, the last vote to repair was rescinded, and 
it was voted to have the school kept in Silas Baldwin's room until the first 
of May, 1811. 

In October, 1811, Chester Jones was chosen clerk and another repair 
committee appointed. On the 9th of December it was "Voted that there 
should be 2 schools kept in s*^ District." 

"Voted, 2'"^', that Col. Ira Smith & Capt. Josiah Swift be a Committee 
for the south part of the District, «Is: Amadeus Dibble & E. B. Johnson be a 
Committee for the north part, to employ teachers." 

April Gth, 1812, it was "A'oted that there should be two schools kept in 
the District, one Man school & one Woman school, & the Free Money be 
equally divided according to the time the school is kept." Stiles Johnson 
was elected a committee " to employ a school Dame." 

On the loth of the same month Levi Tomlinson, Es(f, Ira Smith, Josiah 
Swift, Elias Gilbert and Bradford Steele were appointed a committee to look 
for a place to build a school-house and to draw a plan. Several meetings 
were called and adjourned without transacting any business, except employing 
a male teacher in the south part of the district in the winter of 1812-13, and 
a teacher for three months in the winter of 1813-14. 

On the 7th of March, 1814, at a school meeting held at the store of 
Jones & Keeney, it was "Voted that all needlework should be prohibited 
from school." At a meeting held the 25th of the same month the above vote 
was rescinded and declared "null & void." The name Humphreysville first 
appears on the record in 1814. The next winter it was voted to employ a 
female teacher and to divide the money equally between the two schools of 
the district. 

The school-house first built on the location of the present Bell school- 
house was long owned as joint stock property, as shown in the following deed 
given June 1st, 1816: 



114 SEYMOCR A^'D VICl^'lTY. 

Know Ye, That I, Neivel Johnson of Derhy, in Xew Haven County and State of Connecti- 
cut, for the the consideration of Ten Dollars received to my full satisfaction of John Wheeler, 
Xeivel Johnson, Elias Gilbert, Bradford Steele, John Humphreys, Jr., Genl. David Humphreys, 
Chester Jones, Seba Moulthrop, Stiles Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Edmund Steele, John Biggs, 
Silas Baldwin, Samuel B. Hine, Joseph Johnson, Josiah Swift c|- Danl. Thompson, Do give, 
grant, bargain, sell and confirm unto the said Grantee, one certain piece or tract of land 
situated in said Derby at Humphreysville, eonktining about six acres of land, hounded Southerly 
on highway, Easterly and Northerly on sd Newel Johnson, Westerly on Seba Moulthrop. The 
said piece of land has a School-House erected thereon and divided into one hundred shares, and 
is owned by the above named Grantees in the following proportion, vis : to the said John Wheeler 
twenty nine shares; Newel Johnson, thirteen; Elias Gilbert, thirteen shares; Bradford Steele, 
seven; John Humphreys, Juiir, five; Gen. David Humphreys, five; Chester Jones, seven; 
Seba Moulthrop, four ; Stiles Johnson, three; Jesse Johnson, two; Edmund Steele, two; John 
Biggs, two; Silas Baldwin, two; Samuel B. Hine, two; Joseph Johnson, one; Josiah Swift, 
one; Daniel Thompson, one. 

In October, 1815, Chester Jones was elected committee and Xewel 
Johnson clerk. 

"At a he^id Meeting of the Inhabitants of the 5th School District at the 
School House in Humphreysville, held Oct. 30th, 1816, Xewel Johnson was 
appointed a special committee to obtain from Mr. Samuel Riggs his terms for 
teaching a winter school," apparently without success, as a few days later 
Bradford Steele and Jolmathan Eeement were added to the committee. 

On the 10th of December it was voted to employ Isaac Rowe as teacher 
at $18 per month. April 13th, 1819, it was voted to employ Anna C. Martin 
as teacher for the summer, "provided she can be bad on reasonable terms not 
to exceed one dollar and fifty cents per week." 

Ebenezer Fisher was appointed collector Nov. 20th, 1820, and it was 
voted that board be $1.25 per week. Smith &c Sanford then kept the store 
on the southeast corner of Pearl and Hill streets. On the 4ih of December, 
1820, it was " Voted that there be a stove purchased for the benefit of the 
destrict and made up in the school bill." Until that time the school-room had 
been warmed by a fire in the large uld-fashioned fire-place. 

On the 12th of April, 1822, it was " Voted that Mr. Isaac Sperry be 
employed to teach this school for one year if he can be obtained for ten dollars 
per month," and "that the district hire the school-house of the proprietors at 
the rate of seven dollars a quarter." 

From Nov. 9th, 1818, to Oct. 10th, 1825, Lyman Smith was clerk of the 
district, and during this time the book was kept with a neatness and precision 
seldom found in the old records. 

At a meeting held Dec. 11th, 1822, David Beach was appointed district 
committee and Newel Johnson and Daniel White were appointed a committee 
to confer with the proprietors of the school-house for the purpose of seeing 
what the shares of the school-house can be purchased for. Provision was 
made for wood for the stove and fireplace. 

In the ftill of 1823 the price of board was fixed at eight (Yankee) shillings 
($1.33J) per week, and it was voteil to hire Mr. Sperry, provided that not 
more than $15 per month should be paid. If any scholars came from out of 
the district, they wen; to pay two dollars per quarter. Ebenezer Fisher, 
committee. 

On the 29th of March, 1824, it was voted to hire Isaac J. Sperry for a 
year at $15 per month, and that he have an assistant for six months at $5 
per mouth. The school-house vras hired as before. 



sp:ymouk and vicinity. 115 

It was voted, Aug. IGth, to release Mr. Sperry, to hire Aaron Pierson 
iu his place, ami to continue Miss Tuttle as assistant teacher. 

Oct. ll'tli, 1824, liussel Clark was elected conunittee ; David Beach, Jr., 
collector; and Sheldon Tucker, treasurer. It was voted not to hire a teacher 
unless he will board with the district. The couiiuittee was instructed to hire 
Mr. Parsons (or Pierson) or Harlow P. Sage, wages not to exceed 8lo per 
month. P)ec. 0th it was Aoted to eniitloy an assistant teacher. 

April 12th, 182.5, voted to hire Harlow P. Sage at $19 per month, he to 
board himself, provided that should any choose to board him at $1 per week, 
they might do so. An assistant to be hired if necessary. 

Up to this time the business seems to have been wholly directed in dis- 
trict meetings, and the names most frequently occurring on the record are 
"Chusetown Destrict" and 5th School District of the school society, but at a 
meeting held Oct. lOth, 182.J, Thouuis Gilyard was "recommended to the 
School Society to be appointed committee,-' and Isaac Losee was elected asst. 
committee. Mr. Persons was to be hired. Wm. Humphreys, John De Forest 
and Ebenezer Fisher were '^ recommended to the School Society as visitors." 

In the spring of 1826 the committee were authorized to employ Mr. 
Persons (Aaron C?) at $10 per month, and it was voted that each proprietor 
draw his rent from the treasurer. 

Sept. 29th, 1820. Kecommendations to school scoiety : Sheldon Tucker, 
committee; John H. De Forest, \Vm. Humphrey, Ebenezer Fisher and John 
Wheeler, school visitors. Voted to give Mr. Persons the preference for 
teacher. 

Sept. 27th, 1827. Ebenezer Fisher, district committee ; Edmund Steele, 
school society's committee ; Newel Johnson, clerk ; J. H. De Forest, J. T. 
Wheeler and Wm. Humphreys recommended to school society as visitors. 
Voted to try to hire the lower story of the school-house for $18 per year. 

April 8th, 1829, voted to give Mr. Uubbell the preference as teacher. 

At a meeting held March 29th, 1830, it was voted to purchase from tifty 
to one hundred shares of the Bell school-house of the proprietors at one dollar 
per share. It was voted (April 15th) to rescind the previous motion and to 
purchase a lot and build a school-house. The latter vote was rescinded May 
loth, and the former motion re-enacted. A tax of $200 was voted for the 
purcliasing and repairing the school-house. Geo. Kirtland acted as moderator 
Oct. 17th, 1831. Apr. 10, '32, the Committee had permission to employ a 
teacher for each of the two rooms if they thought best. 

Oct. 18th, 1830. Chester Jones, treasurer; Denzel Hitchcock, clerk; 
Isaac Losee, asst. com. ; Chas. Oatnuin, collector. Mr. Northrop was 
engaged to teach the winter school. 

Mar. 7th, 1837. Tlu)mas Ellis, moderator. Voted to divide the district 
and to run the line from the mouth of Bladen's Brook, and go south so far as 
to take in the house of Isaac White, and then a straight line to Woodbridge. 

At a meeting held April 15th, 1837, it was voted "to run the line 
beginning at the bank south of the nmuth of Bladen's Brook, so called, and 
ran straight to \\'oodbridge line, running far enough south to take in the 
house of Samuel R. Heacox," and "to apply to the school society's committee 
for division." 

The following description of the District limits, from the minutes of the 
First School Society, was certified to by Almon Smith, Society's Clerk. 

"Fourth Distii'.t begins at thti Dam across Naiigaliuk River, ninirmg mi tlie easl 
siUe ol' said ilver uutil you come to the brook ciiiptyiny iuto said rivt-r, tbrou;;li the 



116 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

land ioruierlj' belonging to Henry Wooster; then an easterly coarse to VVoodbridge 
line 80 as to take Isaac Blake and David Hotchkiss' dwelling-houses into the Fourth 
School District." 

"Fifth District begins at the Henry Wooster Brook, so called, by Naugatuck 
River, running up northerly the east side of said river to Oxford line; then easterly 
by said Oxford line to Woodbridge line; then southerly by said Woodbridge line until 
it strikes the northerly line of the Fourth District ; then westerly by said Fourth 
District to the place of beginning at the mouth of the Henry Wooster Brook at the 
Naugatuck River." 

"Voted, that the society divide the said Fifth District, and that the bounds 
commence on the Naugatuck River at a high bluff or bank about twenty rods south 
of the mouth of Bladen's Brook ; from thence to run easterly to Woodbridge line, 
passing by the south side of the house of Samuel R. Hickcok; and the north part of 
the said Fifth School District shall constitute the Seventh District." 

At a school meeting held Sept. 22cl, 1810, it was voted "that a building 
committee be appointed and that they be instructed to make a contract for 
repairing the school-house by cutting it down to one story high, putting on 
new shingles and new pine clapboards, laying a new floor, painting the outside 
with two coats of good paint and making such other repairs as they shall deem 
necessary for a thorough repair in every respect." Bennet Wooster, George 
W. De Forest and Walter B. Clark were appointed committee on repairs. 

At a meeting held Oct. 1st, 1841, it was voted to buy Harrison Tomlin- 
son's lot on the Promised Land, on west side of the highway, and build a good 
school-house thereon, and a 15c. tax was laid Dec. 10th. Feb. 7th, 1842, the 
tax was raised 5 cents. On the loth of February it was voted not to sell or 
dispose of the old school -house. 

On the 4th of September, 1842, it was voted "that the committee hire a 
room on the Falls known as the Conference Room for a school this winter," 
but the vote was rescinded the 11th. On the 10th of May, 1843, it was voted 
not to rent the upper story for a workshop, and the Aote laying a tax of 20c. 
for building purposes were rescinded June 22nd ; also, the vote fixing location 
of new school -house. The old school-house was cut down and repaired in the 
summer of 1843. In August the committee were directed to sell the old bell 
and pay the proceeds to the treasurer. In the summer of 1844 board was 
estimated at eight shillings ($L33i) per week, and the following winter at 
11.75 per week. 

The school-house was appraised Jan. 13th, 1847, by Isaac J. Gilbert, 
Ephraim Birdsey and Wm. M. Hull, at $360, and at a school meeting, held 
Nov. 21st, it was voted that the 5th district pay to the 8th district $112.50 
as their share of the district. The offer not being accepted by the district the 
matter was left to the society's committee, who named $175 as the amount 
to be paid. The new district was the one since known as District No. 8, and 
now as the Center sub-district. No. 6. 

A meeting was held June 10th, 1852, for the purpose of uniting with 
the other districts in forming a union high school, without any successful 
action resulting. 

DISTRICT COMMITTEES. 



1838, Walter B. Clark. 

1839, Walter B. Clark, Isaac Kiuiity and 

Chester Jones. 

1840, Amos Smith, Bennet Woosti^r and 

Sharon Y. Beach. 



1841, Jeremiah Duraud, Sharon Y. Beach. 

1842, Thomas Cochran, Daniel White and 
John W. Bassett. 

1843, B. Wooster. (G. F . DeForest, clerk. 

1844, Ezekiel Gilbert. 



SEYMOUK AND VICINITY 

1845, Daniel White. (W.B.Clark, clerk.) 

1846, A. J. Steele. (H.Tomlinson, clerk.) 

1847, David B.Clark. (S.Y. Beateb, clerk.) 
184«, Smith Clark. (H.B.Mimsou, clerk.) 
1849, Medaa K. Tucker. (J. B. Steele, " 
1850-51, Thomas Stoddard. 

(L. Sharpe, 
collector.) 



1852-3, Joseph Chipman. 

1854, William S. Mallory. 

1855, Stephen H. Culver. 

1856, E. F. Bassett. 



117 

1857, David Beach. (II. B. Beecher, clerk 

1858, H. B. Beecher. 1857 to 1859.; 

1859, Edwin Smith. (L.Sharpe, collector 



1860-(il, John Davis. 

1862, J. W. Bassott. 

1863, Henry 1'. Davis. 

1864, J. Armstronjj. 
1865-7, W. E. liendryx. 
1868, A. W. Lonnsbury. 



1858 to 1861.) 



TEACHERS 

1843, Mr. Lum, two terms. 

1844, Miss Lindley, summer term. 
1846, Mr. Stuart, two terms. 
1852, Miss Chatfield from Quaker farms 
1855, Leverett Mallory, Fred'k Durand. 
1857, Leverett Mallory. 
1859, Miss Wilcox, summer term. 
1863, Ellen M. Clark. 



April, 1864, to Mar., 186.5, Mary Toudin.son, 
April to Sept., 1867, Mary Tomlinsou. 
Jan. to April, 1869, Ella Davis. 
April, 1869, to April, 1870, Lydia Payne. 
April, 1870, to July, 1873, M. A. Hotchkise. 
Sept., 1873, to July, 1874, Emma J. Downs. 
Sept., 1874, to Dec, 1875, M. A.Hotchkiss. 
Jan., 1876, to 1878, Lottie E. Booth. 



CENTER SCHOOL, l^o. 6. 

This wa.s set off from No. 5 in 1847. A ''select scliool" had been kept 
by Mrs. Hodge in a building which stood near where the south end of the 
pin-shop now is. The building was taken for the district school and removed 
above the cotton factory, to where the wool-room of Kalmia Mills now is, then 
to where Second street terminates, above Maple street, and when the car- 
shops were built it was removed to its present location. 

TEACHERS. 
1852, Charles W. Sharpe. 
1867, Miss Coltiugham. 
1869 to July, 187o, Jessie C. Perkins. 
Sept., 1875, to 1878, Maria M. Tucker. 



SECOND INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. 

Established in September, 1878. Arthur L. Candee, teacher. 



FIRST INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL. 

TEACHERS. 

April, 1869, to April, 1870, :\Iary A, Swift. 
April to July, 1870, Cornelia A. Chatfield. 
Sept., 1870, to July, 1872, II. A. Woodford. 
Sept., 1872, to July, 1873, E. J. Downs. 
Sept., 1873, to April, 1875, Sarah M. Riggs. 
April to Dec, 1875, Clara F. Abbott. 
Jan., 1876, to 1878, Emma S. Tomlinsou. 



118 SEYMOUE A:N"D VICIXITY. 



THE HIGH SCHOOL. 



Humplireysville Academy, established in 1849, during its continuance, 
satisfied the demand for a school of higher grade, and perhaps for this reason 
the High School Association, incorporated in 1851, failed of its purpose. 
The Humphreysville Academy was very popular under the direction of Geo. 
B. Glendining, and deservedly so. He was an efficient instructor, and drew 
many pupils from neighboring towns as well as from distant cities. In 1853 
he removed to a larger town towards New York and was succeeded by Fred- 
erick Durand, who taught two years in Union Hall. Mr. Gay, a graduate 
of Yale, came in August, 1855, but continued only a few months. The 
subject of a Union High School was agitated, but the meetings called to con- 
sider the subject were no avail until after the passage of a law authorizing the 
establishment of such a school by the town, independent of' school societies 
and school districts. The school was permanently established in 1864. 
Martha J. Morris Avas employed as assistant from September, 18G7, to De- 
cember, 1868. Since then no assistant has been employed in the High 
School, but the establishment of the two intermediate departments has prac- 
tically made a high school of three grades, and only a new and commodious 
school building is especially needed to place Seymour in the first rank as 
regards the facilities for common school education. 

TEACHERS. 
1864 to July, 1866, Miss Hermance. 
Sept., 1866, to July, 1867, Frederick Durand. 
Sept., 1867, to Dec, 1868, Prof. A. F. Reynolds. 
Jan. to April, 1869, Martha J. Morris. 
April, 1869, to April, 1870, Celia A. Stanley. 
April to July, 1870, Miss S. A. Atwater. 
Sept., 1870, to July, 1871, Mrs. Lottie E. Bigelow. 
Sept., 1871, to July, 1872, Lucy S. Merwin. 
Sept. to Dec, 1872, Mary R. Deery. 
Jan., 1873, to July, 1874, Arthur Kilgore. 
Sept., 1874, to April, 1875, Frank H. Brewer. 
April, 1875, to July, 1878, William H. Warner. 
Sept., 1878, Rev. C. W. Sharpe. 




SEYMOUR AXD VICIXITY. 119 

rreat Mill H. 1. Chmrci. 



t^HlS is uiu' of the oldest Methodist societies in Coiiuecticiit and at one 
""^ time ranked highest in strength and nnmbers in the Derln- Cin-nit, 
which then inchuled the towns of the Nangatuck VaHey as far as AVa- 
terbury. Kev. Ileman Bangs, who was i)residing ehler about sixty 
j^) yetirs ago, said Great Hill was his main stay, and Kev. J^^lijah AVoolsey, 
cii-cuit preacher in 1811, in his book called "The Lights and Shadows 
of the Itinerancy," gives sj)ace to incidents of his experience on Great Hill. 
It had been an old Presbyterian parish, the church standing near the Davis 
place. Abner Smith was the pastor of the Presbyterian Society in 1814 
and for many years preceding, but moved west soon after, and the pnlpit was 
by general consent occupied by Methodist clergymen. From the time \\hen 
Rev. Jesse Lee proclaimed the "Glad Tidings" through the valley of the 
2>[augatuck, service was held here by his successors from time to time, and a 
prosperous church grew up. For a number of years, between 1810 and 1820, 
('yrus Botsford was chorister and was considered an excellent music teacher. 
The choirs in those days were large and some humorous anecdotes are told of 
corrections made by Mr. B. when discordant notes were heard, when his 
words were more emphatic than appropriate to the place. Mr. B. was four 
times married and had seventeen children. Capt. Isaac Bas.sett and wife, 
grand parents of Capt. Elliott Bassett, were among the first IMethodists on 
the Hill. The late Jndson English was closely identified with the Great Hill 
church for half a century. The eccentric George L. Fuller, pastor in 1845 
and 1840, is still remembered by many residents of the Hill. Fearless and 
untiring in his JVIaster's service, he labored with great success and many were 
the anecdotes told of his labors. At one time in a revival meeting he preached 
fi-om the parable of the swine, (Matt., viii : 30-32), and afterward passed 
around among the congregation urging them to nipentance. A young man, 

T W , replied to him very discourteously that there was no need of 

it, since, according to the sermon, all tlie devils were drowned. The eccentric 
clergyman knelt in prayer and remembered the young man as follows: "Oh 
Lord, we read in Thy blessed word that the swine rushed down into the sea 
and were drowned ; but oh, Lord, one hog swam ashore, and here he is 
right before us. Drive the devil out of him and make a man of him," etc. 
It is said that if the logic was not convincing, the whole-souled earnestness of 
the preacher was, and apparently the prayer was answered. A man, at whose 
house a prayer-meeting was to be held one Saturday evening, sent an invita- 
tion to a neighbor, a staunch Presbyterian, to attend. He sent back word 
that he wished to be excused as he "kept Saturday night," but he soon began 
to attend the meetings and continued to be a regular attendant for more than 
thirty years. ■•^' Anson Gillette was the first class-l<?ader. over sixty-live years 
ago. The present church edifice was built by subs(^ri])tion in 1853-4. Almost 
the only preaching on the hill for the forty years prtjceding had been by the 
iVIethodists, to whom the i)ld Presbyterian church had been given up. The 
church was dedicated on Wednesday, Octob(;r 25th, 1854. The subscriptions 
that day were $580, leaving a debt of only $300, which has since been paid. 
Though the society is smaller now by reason of the draught ui)on it by the 
fiourishing manufacturing centers around, yet considerable improvements 
have been made in and about the church in the past few years, and the 
services of the sanctuarv are well sustained. 



120 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



PAPER MAKING IN SEYMOUR. 

,^|HE first to establish the manufacture of paper in this place was General 
Humphreys. He built the first paper mill in 1805, but soon sold it to 
WorruU & Hudson. At this time the paper was made by hand. An 
engine for preparing the pulp was in use, but from this it was dipped 
out into fine sieves, the size the sheet of paper was to be made, shaken 
about to pack the fiber, a felt or flannel laid on, and the paper tipped 
out on it. 125 sheets were so piled up, making, with the felts, a pile about 
15 inches high. This was pressed in a screw press, then taken out of the felts 
and hung on poles to dry, then pressed in 1} ream bunches. The next day the 
sheets were "stripped" or separated and pressed in the dry press. Writing 
paper was laid sheet by sheet between press boards with occasional ii-on plates 
and pressed again. In 181G Worrull & Hudson sold out to Ebenezer Fisher 
and Henry LeForge. In 1817 Samuel Eoselle, afterwards a partner, came 
to the place and commenced work in the paper mill. 

The mill was raised a story in 1825, and paper then first made altogether 
by machinery. The mill was sold to the Humphreysville Manufacturing 
Company January 27th, 1831. This company commenced the manufacture 
of paper in May, 1831, with but four employees — Chester Jones, Wm. Bates, 
Jane Patchen and Lois Thompson, but during the month the number was 
increased to 16, and afterward to 18. The IGth of April, 1832, they com- 
menced running night and day. They were then making paper for the New 
Haven Palladium and other papers. Not only news but tissue and colored 
papers were produced. It is evident that the circulation of the papers was 
not very large from the fact that 500 pounds of paper was considered a good 
day's work at the time they were supplying several printing offices besides 
making other kinds of paper. 

The establishment was taken by George L. Hodge, Sharon Y. Beach 
and Samuel Roselle August 17th, 1813, under the firm name of Hodge & 
Co., this partnership continuing two years. 

In 1845 the Humphreysville Manufacturing Company, by their special 
agent, Timothy Dwight, sold the paper mill with a five years' lease of the 
water to Ezekiel Gilbert, Sharon Y. Beach and Samuel Eoselle, who carried 
on the business five years under the firm name of Gilbert, Beach & Co. The 
Avater lease expired in 1850, and as the Humphreysville Manufacturing Com- 
pany declined all otfers for a renewal, Mr. Beach bought out the other two 
partners, pulled down the mill, and put it up again in "Blueville," on Bladen's- 
Brook, about a mile east of the old location, where it has since remained. 
Among the numerous publications for which 3Ir. B. has furnished more or 
less paper is Barber's History of Connecticut, New Haven Palladium, Regis- 
ter, Journal and Courier, the Waterbury American, and the Seymour Record. 
In February and March of 1859 a large addition was built to the mill. 
In September of 1860 the wooden flume was taken out and an iron one put 
in. New machinery has been added from time to time, engines, boilers, cal- 
enders, «&c., reservoirs built on the hill near by to insure a full supply of pure 
water, so much needed in the manufacture of paper, aud other iniprovement.s 
made, until Mr. B. has about $20,000 invested in the business, making a 
large mill, furnished with the most approved machinery and turning out large 
quantities of superior colored papers, that having been made a specialty of the 
mill for a number of years past. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 121 

The first mill on the site of Smith's paper mill was built in 1831 under 
the direction of John Riggs for John S. Moshier. The machinery was de- 
signed and built by Cyrus Lee, millwright, in whose employ were Smith 
Botsford and Sheldon Hurd. ^Ir. IMoshier purchased the land from the Capt. 
Merrick farm, once owned by Kev, Jesse Johnson, inchuhng the njiper mill 
site, now occupied by the rubber mill. Newel Johnson purchased the latter 
and paid Moshier in work on the paper mill. Johnson built a small dam near 
the upper end of the present rubber mill dam, and built a snuill machine shop. 
The paper mill was completed and commenced running in the spring of 1832. 
William Bates was employed as superintendent and Samuel Bassett run the 
paper machine. John I3odgewas also employed in the mill, and so continued 
until his death in 1808, a period of thirty -nine years. At this time the wages 
paid for work in paper mills varied from one dollar for sixteen hours' work 
to five shillings for twelve hours. 

Early in 1833 the paper mill passed into the hands of John C. Wheeler, 
and in April was leased to Daniel ^N'hite for three years at an annual rent of 
$000. Mr. AVhite was then in the paper business at the Falls, and his lease 
of that mill had one yc'ar longer to run. Sylvester Smith, who had been in 
j\Ir. White's employ one year in the old mill, wuh now transferred to the 
superintendency of the new mill. During the year the most of the paper 
made in the mill was of a fine quality, for books and periodicals. All paper 
was then sold on six and nine months' credit. For about four years this mill 
furnished the paper for reprinting Blackwood's Magazine and other foreign 
periodicals by T. Foster in New York. 

Mr. White, being unsuccessful in business, gave up the mill in the spring 
of 1831, and his successor (John C. Wheeler) gave Sylvester Smith a one- 
quarter interest in the business, Wheeler furnishing the capital. Their part- 
nership lasted three years. But from 1831 the times were hard and the price 
of paper fell off almost one-fomth. Wheeler, who was also in i-ompany with 
Raymond French in the auger business, met with heavy losses in the hard 
times of 1837. The dam Avas carried away in April, 1837, but rebuilt before 
July, and Wheeler then rented the mill to Smith & Bassett for fifty dollars a 
month, to be paid in wTapping paper. This was the commencement of a 
partnership which lasted nineteen years. Feb. 10th, 1810, Smith & Bassett 
bought the mill of John C. Wheeler tor $4,220, payable in wrapping paper — 
$200 every three months. 

Straw was made into paper in this mill in 1837, and was the first paper 
made from straw in Connecticut. ]Money was very scarce and for several 
years barter was more common than cash ; paper and augers being extensively 
used as a circulating medium in this vicinity. In January, 1811, an addition 
of twenty feet was built on the south end of the mill. Other improvements 
were made in 1816, but on the 21)th of January, 1847, the paper mill was 
entirely consumed by fire. The loss was about $9,000 and the insurance was 
$3,500. With improved times and better facilities for nuiking paper, all 
seemed ready for increased profit when this fire occurred. On Saturday, 
March 13th, 1847, the frame of the new mill was raised, about 100 men being- 
present. Daniel White had charge of the carpenter work and Smith Botsford 
superintended the mill work. On Saturday, July 17th, paper making was 
resumed. 

lu January, 1856, Mr. Bassett sold his half of the mill to Mr. Smith. 
During the time of their partnership a large proportion of the paper made in 
the mill was straw boards and button boards. When they commenced the 
price of straw delivered at the mill was $5 per ton. In the last twelve years 



122 SEYMOUK AXD VICINITY. 

of their partnership the mill was much used in grinding and cleaning rubber, 
which added much to the profit of the mill. But in 1855 this branch of the 
business was closed up. The paper business was then poor for several years. 
The panic of 1857 came and the prospects were gloomy. Then came the 
sound of war and the tramp of armies, and everything was uncertain. But 
in the spring of 1863 the paper business revived, and the sun of prosperity 
arose on the old paper works. Prices improved, orders increased and the 
dream of profits was upon the mill owner. But another unlucky Friday came 
and the paper mill was again burnt down, about noon of March 13th, 1863. • 
The loss was about $10,000 and the insurance $5,000. Fourteen tons of old 
iron was sold from the ruins. In two weeks the timber for the new mill was 
on the ground. The main building was raised the last week in April. It 
was 46 by 70 feet, and three stories high. The machinery was all put on the 
lower floor, and two turbine wheels took the place of the large wooden ones. 
On the 4th of July the mill was so far completed that a festival was held in 
it for the benefit of sick and wounded soldiers. About five hundred people 
attended, and with the music and speaking it was a pleasant aftair. About 
the 15th of August the mill was in running order. 

A large bleach-house was added to the main building, and in the same 
year an ell was added to the east side, 60 by 27 feet, two stories high. Ashbei 
Storrs planned and superintended the building, and Smith Botsford was the 
master millwright. Perhaps it was the most complete mill for the work for 
which it was designed that had been built in the country up to that time. 
During the next two years the mill did a successful business. 

In 1866 W. W. Smith took charge of the mill on a salary, and his father 
retired from the business. In 1867 an addition was made to the south end 
of the mill, a steam engine put in, and the manufacture of manilla paper 
commenced. 

On Monday evening, January 11th, 1869, a fire broke out in the second 
story of the ell part of the mill, and in a short time the whole building was 
destroyed. The loss was about $30,000 and the insurance $14,000. Mr. 
Amasa Trowbridge perished in the flames. At the cry of fire he left his 
home and lost his life in the effort to save his neighbor's property. In three 
months another mill was running in part, and at the end of five months from 
the date of the fire it was completed. The cost of this mill was nearly double 
that which was built in 1863, so great had been the increase in the price of 
labor and material. 

In May, 1870, the mill was sold to Mr. W. W. Smith. This year was 
remarkable for the long-continued drought. N^othing like it had ever been 
known. In the summer of 1871 the dam was carried away, and Capt. Smith, 
at great expense, brought the water down from Kimmon Pond in Naugatuck 
River, put in a wheel opposite the mill, and applied that power, underneath 
the highway, to his mill, the new power going into operation in the first week 
in November. But another black Friday came November lOth, and in the 
rainy afternoon the cruel fire made short work of the mill. There were ten 
policies of insurance of $2,000 each on the property, but the then recent dis- 
astrous fire in Chicago had so damaged several of the companies that a large 
part of the insurance was lost. Tlie whole loss by this tire was estimated at 
$30,000. The mill was again rebuilt and has since been confined to the 
manufacture of a superior quality of manilla paper. 

De Dorest and Hodge purchased the water privilege and buildings where 
the rubber works now are and changed it to a paper mill, running partly by 
steam, making fine calendered book paper. They soon sold out to Smith & 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 123 

Bassett, who continued tlie paper business, but added the grinding of rubber. 
They also hired the mill at the mouth of Little Kiver to grind rubber in, and 
even then were unable to do the work as fast as wanted. This mill at the 
mouth of Little Kiver had been run as a j»ai)er mill by Lewis Bunce, and 
afterward by the Kimmon Taper Company. In 1854 Smith «S: liassett sold 
the upper mill to Austin G. Day, and it has since been occupied by the Day 
Brothers in the rubber business exclusively. 



SUFFERINGS OF KEYOLUTIONARY S0LDIP:RS. 



^3|HE following extract fi-om Kamsay's History of the Revolution, published 
"" in Trenton in 1811, gives a good representation of the sufl'erings of pat- 
riots of the Revolution who were captured by the British, among whom 
were Bradford Steele, Jabez Pritchard and others mentioned in this 
book in the account of the Revolutionary period. 

The prisoners captured by Sir William Howe in 1776, amounted to many hundreds. The 
officers were admitted to parole, and had some waste Louses assigned to them as quarters ; but the 
privates were shut up in the coldest season of the year, in churches, sugar houses, and such like 
large open buildings. The severity of the weather, and the rigor of their treatment, occasioned the 
death of many hundreds of these unfortunate men. The filth of the places of their confinement, in 
consequence of fluxes which prevailed among them, was both offensive and dangerous. Seven dead 
bodies have been seen in one building, at one time, and all lying in a situation shocking to humanity. 
The provisions served out to them were deficient in quantity, and of an unwholesome quality. These 
suffering prisoners were generally pressed to enter into the British service, but hundreds submitted 
to death, rather than procure a melioration of their circumstances by enlisting with the enemies of 
their country. After General Washington's successes at Trentou and Princeton, the American 
prisoners fared somewhat better. Those who survived were ordered to be sent out for exchange, but 
some of them fell down dead in the streets, while attempting to walk to the vessels. Others were so 
emaciated that their appearance was horrible. A speedy death closed the scene with many. 

The American board of war, after conferring (December 1, 1777) with Mr. Boudinot, the 
commissary-general of prisoners, and examining evidences produced by him, reported among other 
things, " That there were 900 privates and 300 officers of the American army, prisoners in the city of 
New York, and about 500 privates and 50 officers prisoners in Philadelphia. That since the begin- 
ning of October, all these prisoners, both officers and privates, had been confined in prison ships or 
the Provost: That from the best evidence the subject could admit of, the general allowance of 
prisoners, at most, did not exceed four ounces of meat per day, and often so damaged as not to be 
eatable: That it had been a common practice with the British, on a prisoner's being first captured, 
to keep him three, four or five days, without a morsel of meat, and then to tempt him to enlist to 
save his life : That there were numerous instances of prisoners of war perishing in all tlie agonies of 
hunger." 

About this time (Dec. 24, 1777) there was a meeting of merchants in London, for the purpose 
of raising a sum of money to relieve the distresses of American prisoners then in England. The sum 
subscribed for that purpose amounted in two months to 4047/ 15s. Thus while human nature was 
dishonored by the cruelties of some of the British in America, there was a laudable display of the 
benevolence of others of the same nation in Europe. The American sailors, when captured by the 
British, suffered more than even the soldiers which fell into their hands. The former were coufiued 
on board prison ships. They were there crouded together in such numbers, and their accommoda- 
tions were so wretched, that diseases broke out and swept them off in a manner that was sufficient 
to excite compassion in breasts of the least sensibility. It has been asserted, on as good evidence as 
the case will admit, that in the last six years of the war upwards of eleven thousand persons died ou 
board the Jersey, one of these prison ships, which was stationed in East river near New-York. On 
many of these, the rite.s of sepulture were never or very imperfectly conferred. For some time after 
the war was ended, their bones lay whiteuiug in the sun, on the shores of Long-Island. 



124 SEYMOUE AND VICIJ^ITY. 



STREETS OE SEYMOUR. 



Birch, from Washington avenue to Day street. 

Bkoad, from Main street to Derby aveuiie. 

Cedar, from Eiver street, along foot of Castle Eock, to West street. 

Church, from West street, east, past Trinity clim'ch, to Mill street. 

Culver, from First avenue to Grand street. 

Day, from North Main street to Pearl street. 

Derby Avenue, from intersection of Broad and West streets, southward. 

Elm, from Pearl street to house of Edwin Smith. 

Factory, from Main street to Kalmia Mills. 

First, from Factory street to Maple street. "" 

First 2\ venue, from Grand street to Culver street. 

Grand, from Washington avenue to Pearl street. 

Grove, from Derby avenue to Cedar street, past house of B. W. Smith. 

High, from Pearl street, opposite M. E. Church, to Culver street. 

Hill, from Main street, southward, formerly Eimmon turnpike. 

Humphrey, from Pearl street to house of Isaac Losee. 

James, from Main street to Washington avenue. 

Main, running north towards Pinesbridge and south towards Ansonia. 

Maple, from Main street to West street, near house of E. L. Hoadley. 

Mill, from Eiver street, northwest, to West street. 

MONSON, from Grand street to Culver street. 

North, from Day street, north, to North Main street. 

Oak, from Derby avenue to Cedar street, past house of Frederick Emery. 

Pearl, from South Main street to Day street. 

Pine, from Broad street to Derby avenue. 

Eaymond, from Factory street to foot of Third street. 

Eimmon, from Maple street, north, over Eimmon Hill. 

Eiver, from West street to Maple street. 

EOSE, from Derby avenue to Cedar street, past house of S. C. Ford. 

Second, from Eaymond street, north, to the river. 

Third, from Maple street, south, to Eaymond street. 

Third Avenue, from Grand street, south, to Culver street. 

Walnut, from Hill street, near house of S. C. Ford, to Pearl street. 

Washington Avenue, (Promised Land,) fi-om Hill street to Main street. 

West, from intersection of Broad street and Derby avenue, towards Oxford. 

Vine, from Derby avenue to Cedar street, south of house of C. W. Storrs. 



SEYMOUK AND VICLMTY. 125 



KOTES FROM DYTIGHT'S TRAVELS. 



Published in 1821 



From Derby the road crosses Naugatuc river ; and tbence proceeds by tbe side of tbe Hooes- 
tennuc to tbe uear ueigbbourbood of its fountains in New-Asbford. From Derby to Kent tbe course 
is nearly Nortb-West; and tbrougbout tbe wbole distance to New-Milford is almost literally on tbe 
bank. Tbe valley is every where narrow; and the prospect limited on both sides by bills of consid- 
erable height. A few of these are bold, masculine blufls, with rude precipices, wliicb may be called 
magnificent. Almost all of them present declivities, too steep for convenient cultivation, covered 
with a soil too unpromising to tempt tbe labours of the husbandman. At times it is sandy ; at others 
rocky; and at others cold. Hence this region is more thinly populated than any other, of equal 
extent, within tbe limits of Connecticut. The bouses, also, are few; and most of them indifferent 
buildings. In tbe parish of South-Britain, eighteen miles from Derby, and twenty-six from New- 
Haven, there is a small exception to these remarks. The rest of tbe tract is solitary; and, with tbe 
aid of a road generally sandy and bec>vy, is far from inviting excursions of pleasure. 

You will remember, that these observations are applied only to the narrow valley of the 
Hooestennuc, through which we passed ; extending rarely more than a mile in breadth ; and 
generally not more than one fourth of a mile. As soon as these steep bills are ascended, their surface 
presents a good soil, and sprigbtlier scenery, bad numerous population and flourishing settlemsnts. 

The first township, along tbe skirt of which we passed after we bad left Derby, is Oxford ; 
formerly a part of that township. Oxford is a collection of bills and vallies, generally, cjvered with 
a strong soil. Tbe inhabitants are universally farmers. It includes two Congregations; a Presby- 
terian and an Episcopal plurality; and, in 1800, contained 1,410 inhabitants; in 1810, 1,413. 

Immediately North of Oxford lies the township of Southbury, along a tributary stream of the 
Hooestennuc. Its surface is pleasant ; and the soil, excellent. It is divided into two parishes ; the 
Town, and South-Britain. The town is a pretty collection of houses, chifffly on a single street, 
running from North to South. Tbe parish of South-Britain is small. That part of it, which borders 
upon tbe Hooestennuc, presents tbe only specimen of soft scenery on our road, until we reached 
New-Milford. Tbe expansion here was wider, the hills more handsomely shaped, and tbe river 
adorned with several intervals. Tbe soil was better than in the parts through which we have passed 
before. Here, also, was a scattered hamlet, the inhabitants of which appeared to be in better 
circumstances. Southbury contains two Presbyterian congregations. In the year 1771, it was a 
part of Woodbury. In 1790, it contained 1,738 inhabitants: in 1800, 1,757; and in 1810, (a part of 
it having been taken off to form the township of Middlebury,) 1,413. — [Vol. Ill, pp. 396-7.] 

New-Haven is tbe shire town of tbe County of New-Haven, in a State distinguished for the 
rigid execution of its laws. Of course all tbe capital punishments in the County have been inflicted 
here. The whole number of these in one hundred and seventy-five yeai's, has been thirteen. Of 
thes3, five were whites; five were Indians; and three were blacks. Of the whites, one was a 
stranger taken up as a spy, as he was passing through this town, and executed, parsiiant to a sentence 
of a court martial. Three of tbe remaining four v/ere natives of England. It does not appear, that 
any inhabitant of this town, or County, ever suffered death by the hand of law. Tl.ere is nc reason 
to conclude, that tbe people cf this County are more distinguished for their morals than most of the 
other settlements, wliicb have been established for any length of time. In this respect, (tbe paucity 
of capital punishments,) New-England may be compared with Scotland, and Switzerland; and will 
suffer no disadvantage by the comparison. — [Vol. IV, p. 334.] 

There is not a spot on the globe, where so little is done to govern the inhabitants ; nor a spot, 
where the inhabitants are so well governed, or, perhaps, in more appropriate terms, where ihe state 
of society is so peaceable, orderly, and happy. A recurrence to the manner, in wl;icb elections are 
carried on here, as described in a formei" part of these letters, will enable you to compare them with 



126 SEYMOUK AND VICINITY. 

your own. Those in your country have been described to me on various occasions, by authority 
wliich cannot be questioned. They are scenes of riot, tumult, and violence. Ours are scarcely less 
decent than religious assemblies.— [Vol. IV, p. 335.] 

The people of New-England have always had, and have by law always been required to have, 
arms in their hands. Every man is, or ought to be, in the possession of a musket. The great body 
of our citizens, also, are trained with a good degree of skill, and success, to military discipline. Yet 
I know not a single instance, in which arms have been the instruments of carrying on a private 
quarrel. * * * t)n a country, more peaceful and quiet, it is presumed, the sun, never shone. 
* * * In Connecticut, the government, whether of the Colony or the State, has never met with 
a single serious attempt at resistance to the execution of its laws. * * * Our laws provide 
effectually for the comfortable maintenance of all the poor; who are inhabitants; and, so long as 
they are with us, of poor strangers, in what country soever they are born ; and, when they are sick, 
supply them with physicians, nurses, and medicines. The children of the poor are furnished with 
education and apprenticeships, at the public expense. — [Vol. IV, p. 336-7.] 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



ABIEL CANFIELD, 

A soldier of the Revolution, was bora April 6th, 1753. He enlisted in the 
company of Capt. Pierson as piper. May 8th, 1777, and marched to New 
Haven the same day, where he remained with the forces for the protection of 
the city and harbor during the term of his service. He married Mary Barlow 
of Stratford Dec. 23d, 1779, and lived in West street, the second house on 
the left from Church street, still standing. He had a shop in the rear, where 
he manufactured brass and pewter buttons, buckles, sleigh bells, metal tags, 
&c. The pewter buttons were cast in moulds. He employed an English 
engineer to cut the dies used in making the figures upon the buttons, for 
military and other uses. He afterward purchased of Bradford Steele the 
house east of the Episcopal church and built a shop near by. He died Dec. 
6th, 1812, aged 59 years and 7 months. 

IIEV. ALONZO B. PULLING, 

Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church a portion of 1876 and 1877, laboring 
zealously and efticiently for the good of those under his pastoral care. "A 
good minister of the Lord Jesus Christ, put in trust with the Gospel." He 
became superannuated at the end of his pastorate and continued to reside at 
East Village, with the exception of his pastorate in Seynit>ur, until his death. 
He united with his conference in the spring of 1846, and tilled important 
charges with marked fidelity and acceptability, remaining almost without 
exception the full terui allowed by the church. He served in the New Milford 
charge twice, the first term of two years and the second three years. He 
leaves a good record, and has been called from labor to his reward. "\Vell 
done good and faithful servant." 

MliS. ANN S. STEPHENS, 

The gifted writer, was the daughter of John Winterbottom, junior partner 
of T. Yose & Co., successors to General Humphreys in the manufacture of 
broadcloth. She went to school in Sheffield, Canaan and other places, and 
wrote her first composition - an epigram upon a boy in her father's employ — 
at the age of seven. The first composition she published was an address to a 




LUGRAND SHAKP 



SEYMOL'R AND VICINITY. 127 

friend, a student in Yale College, printed in the New Haven Post. In 1832 
she married Mr, Edward Stephens of Plymouth, .Mass., and in 18;54 jiublished 
the "Polish Boy." Two years later she started a literary maj^azine in Port- 
land, Maine, and in it wrote her first story and ])ublished '"The Tradesman's 
Daughter." In 1838 she beeame editress of the Ladies' ( 'om]tani(in, in New 
York, and published "Mary Derwent," ''The Deluded," and other serials. 
Later she was with George K. Graham and Edgar A. Poe on Graliam 3Iaga- 
zine in Philadelphia, at the same time acting as co-editress with Charles J. 
Peterson, of Peterson's Magazine. Mrs. Stephens and Mr. l*eterson have 
been associated for over thirty years. About twenty years ago Mrs. Stephens 
published the original of "Fashion and Famine" in Peterson's ^Magazine, 
which was afterwards printed in book form, being the first book she ever pub- 
lished. Her published works now include about thirty novels, a "History of 
the AVar" in two volumes, and two humorous works. The opening scenes of 
"Bertha's Engagement" are laid here, and also the story of "Malvina Gray." 
She is now a regular contributor to Peterson's Magazine and other publica- 
tions. Her story of "Fashion and Famine" had a circulation of over 80,000 
copies. , 

SQUIRE DAVID FRENCH, 
The oldest son of Israel French, was a patriot of the Revolution, going to 
Boston after the battle of Bunker Hill to assist in resisting the encroachments 
of despotism. He was trial justice of the north part of the town of Woodbridge 
for many years, and tried more cases than any other justice in AVoodbridge. 
The late Judge David Dagget of New Haven said that he had pleaded a 
great many cases before 'Squire David. He represented the town of Wood- 
bridge in the General Assembly twenty successive semi-annual terms. He 
first built his log-house in Nyumphs, at a place which he afterwards gave to 
his son Luther. He was for many years a deacon of the First Congregational 
Church of Bethathy under the Rev. Samuel Hawley, but when Rev. George 
Whitfield visted this country he became a convert to his views of experimental 
religion, and afterwards was a regular member of the new sect of Methodists, 
which soon spread over the country like a great tidal wave. He was never 
one of the enthusiastic kind, but earnest and strongly sincere. All his public 
life he was much accustomed to public speaking, and used often in the General 
Assembly to encounter the celebrated Pierpont Edwards. He had a strong 
voice and expressed his opinions with energy and confidence. These opinions, 
whether religious or political, were always such as to command respect. He 
died Aug. 4th, 1821, aged 80 years. 

LUGRAND SHARP, 

Son of Thomas and Mary Sharp, was born in Ridgefield, Ct., June 1st, 1797. 
He was a great-grandson of Thomas Sharp of Newtown, who emigrated from 
England to Stratford in 1700, and was one of the original thirty-six proprietors 
and a surveyor of the the town of Newtown. Thomas Sharj), 3rd, purchased 
lands in Oxford, near Zoar Bridge in 1804 and setth-d there, but died in 1805, 
Lugrand being then but eight years of age. In 1821 he purchased the place 
in Southford on which the Abbott mansion now stands. In 1823 he married 
Olive M., daugher of Ebenezer Booth, cabinet maker, who built the house, 
dam and factory since owned by Rev. William Cutts, knife manufacturer. 
He was an earnest and <!fiicient laborer in the JMethodist society formed at 
Southford, of which Rev. Samuel Hickox of Seymour was the first pastor. 
It was to a great extent due to his efforts that a union meeting-house was soon 
built at Southford, and a class formed at Quaker Farms, of which he was the 



128 SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 

first leader. His house was always open to the hard-working itinerant 
preachers of those days, and he continued to be one of the most active members 
of the Soutliford church until 1813, when he sold out and came to Humphreys- 
ville, now Seymour. In 1819 he built the house on Hill street, which he 
afterwards occupied until his death. He was for several years superintendent 
of the Sunday school, and afterwards an active member of it until within two 
or three years of his death. He contributed liberally to such religious and 
benevolent causes as received his approval, giving over $1,500 to the mission- 
ary cause during the last nine years of his life. He died May 1st, 1876, aged 
78 years. His last years were literally and fully devoted to the service of 
the Lord, and when his last sickness came he felt that his work was done and 
he waited in patience for the Master's call. 

SAMUEL WIRE 

Was born at Greenfield Hills, Fairfield, Feb. 8th, 1789. He came to Hum- 
phreysville when thirteen years of age to learn the clothing business under 
General Humphreys. At the age of twenty-three he married the sister of the 
late General Clark Wooster, who died after several years of happy married 
life, without children. Mr. Wire soon afterwards commenced the manufacture 
of satinet warps in the south part of Oxford, and married his second wife, who 
was the daughter of David Candee. He represented the town at several 
sessions of the General Assembly and held other important offices of trust, 
being at one time the most influential politician in town. In 1817 he removed 
to New Haven, where he was a constable for several years and then city 
sheriff. He was one of the oldest Freemasons in the State, and a member of 
Franklin Chapter and Harmony Council. He was a man of genial disposi- 
tion, faithful and upright. He died May 3rd, 1871, aged 86 years. 



m MEMORIAM. 



In the Eimnion burying-ground, on a bluff on the west side of the Nau- 
gatuckj are seven gravestones with the following inscriptions : 
Susanna, wife of Lieut. Thomas Clark, died Apr. 1, 1768, aged 29 years. 
Phoebe, wife of David Johnson, Aug. 6, 1777, in the 47th year of her age. 
In memory of Joseph Riggs, son of Mr. Joseph and Mistress Anna Riggs, 

who departed this life March 22, 1794, in the 8th year of his age. 
Joseph Riggs died Mar. 19, 1791, in the 38th year of his age, who was a 

pattern of industry, a friend to virtue, and a pillar of society. 
In memory of David Johnson Riggs, son of Mr. Joseph and Mistress /..nna 

Riggs, who departed this life March 24th, 1794, in the 15th year of his age. 
In memory of Mrs. Sarah, relict of Mr. Benajah Johnson, who departed this 

life May 7, 1773, aged 72 years. 
Thomas Clark, died Oct. 11, 1797, aged 33 years. 

DEATHS, ARRANGED ALPHABETICAJLLY. 

Abram Bassett, Nov. 17th, 1853, aged 81 years. 

Samuel Bassett, Sept. 28th, 1851, aged 67 years. 

Betsey, wife of David Beach, Oct. 9th, 1822, aged 21 years. 

Mrs. Beebe, Nov. 15th, 1822, aged 70 years. 

Mrs. Charles Benham, June 1st, 1822, aged 27 years. 

Dorcas Bradley, Dec. 3rd, 1814, aged 92 years. 



SE Y:\rOUR AND VICINITY. 129 

Betsoy Broadwell, March lOtli, 1821, aged 33 years. 

Lewis Broadwell, Sept. Ctli, 1844, aged 53 years. 

Huldah, wife of Stephen Booth, Feb. 2iid, 1848, aged 70 years. 

Annie Case, Nov. 10th, 1821, aged 08 years. Kesidence,' Skokorat. 

Joel Chatfield, Jime 14th, LSoC, aged 79 years. 

Ruth, wife of Joel Chatlield, Nov. 2ud, 1831, aged 02 years months. 
Sheldon Church, Nov. 8th, 1873, aged 7(5 years. 

Laura, wife of Sheldon Church^ Feb. ioth, 1871, aged 73 years. 
ATilliani Clark, Oct. 24th, 1834, aged 70 years. 
]\Iiles Culver, July 28th, 1857. 

-Fhebe Uavton, widow of Capt. Eben'" Dayton, March 18th, 1827, aged 77 vrs. 
John II. De Forest, Feb. 12th, 1839. 
Capt. Aniadeus Dibble, Sept. 25th, 1827, aged 05 yrs. Residence, Skokorat. 

Mary, wife of Capt. Amadeus Dibble, March 7th, 1820, aged 29 years. 
Raymond Dibble, Nov. 17tli, 1820, aged 29 years. 
Joseph Durand, Aug. 0th, 1792, aged 84 years. 

Anna, wife of Joseph Durand, Feb. llth, 1778, aged 04 years. 
Samuel Durand, Feb. 18th, 1852, aged 08 years. 
Nathaniel French, Nov. 13th, 1780, aged 04 years. 
Samuel French, Feb. 2nd, 1883, aged 78 years. 
Charles French, Esq., Nov. 9th, 1783, aged 79 yetirs. 
Enoch French, May 21st, 1824, aged 04 years. ' 
Hannah, wife of David French, Esq., Aug. 19th, 1823, aged 19 years. 
William French, Oct. 10th, 1823, aged 37 years. 

Nancy, wife of William French, July i3th, 1823, aged 19 years. 
William Gerling, Nov. 25th, 1814, aged 00 years. From England. 
Ezekiel Gilbert, July 0th, 1848, aged 55 years. 

Sarah Hurd, wife of Ezekiel Gilbert, Nov. 10th, 1870, aged 70 years. 
Thomas Gilyard, Nov. 12th, 1853, aged 07 years. 

Annie Gilyai-d, Jan. 11th, 1821, aged 01. Born at Hightown, Yorkshire, Eng. 
j\Irs. Jona. Harden, April 10th, 1822, aged 51 years. Residence, Skokorat. 
Matilda Ilatte, Nov., 1814, 15th daughter of Stephen Hatte, 
Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Hickox, Dec. 9th, 1841, aged 20 years. 
Timothy Hitchcock, Aug. 5th, 1820, aged 72 years. 
Capt. Daniel Holbrook, Dec. 28th, 1828, aged 59 years. Residence, Skokorat. 

Lois, wife of Capt. Daniel Holbrook, March 10th, 1827, aged 03 years. 
David Humphreys, 2nd, March 21st, 1814, aged 28 years. 
David Humphreys, 3rd, Dec. 2nd, 1814, aged 3 years. 
George, son of William Humphreys, Esq., July 8th, 1828. 
Hon. John Humphreys, Jr., June 29th, 1820, aged 53 years. 
Alexander Johnson, Sept., 1817, aged 87 years. 
Benajah Johnson, April 13th, 1703, aged 59 years. 

Sarah, wife of Benajah Johnson, March 7th, 1773, aged 72 years. 
Chauncey Johnson, Dec. 20th, 1814, aged 37 years. 
Ebenezer Johnson, Sept. 25th, 1792, aged 31 years. 
Ebenezer Johnson, Feb. 11th, 1830, aged 38 years. 

Eleanor Allen, wife of Ebenezer Johnson, July 3rd, 1870, aged 70 years. 
Elijah Johnson, 1847, aged 75 years. 
Hepsibah Johnson, April 13tli, 1823, aged 43 years. 
Hezekiah Johnson, Nov. 15th, 1820, aged 70 years. 
Isaac Johnson, April 10th, 1813, aged 78 years. Residence, Skokorat. 

Lois, wife of Isaac Johnson, Oct. KJth, 1814, aged 7(5 years. 
Rev. Jesse Johnson, Oct. 21st, 1829, aged 50 years. 



130 SEYMOUE AND VICIXITY. 

Jesse Johnson, Jr., Feb. 9th, 182G, aged 25 years. 

Joseph Johnson, Jnue 2(>th, 1818, aged 59 years. 

Stiles Johnson, Oct. 4th, 1818, aged 3G years. Eesidence, Skokorat. 

Timothy Johnson, Jan. 21st, 1830, aged 70 years. Eesidence, Pinesbridge. 

Zeviah Johnson, May 29th, 1810, aged 77 years. 

Abraham Kenney, Oct. 29th, 1822, aged 30 years. 

Isaac Kinney, Ang. 18th, 1875, aged 85 years and months. 

Anna Clmrch, wife of Isaac Kinnev, Jan. 24th, 1808, aged 04 years. 
Wife of William Kenney, Sr., March 9th, 1827, aged 70 years. 
William Kinney, Jan. 7th, 1847, aged 87 years. 
Elijah Kirtland", May 25th, 1831, aged 31 years. 
John Lane, July Otli, 1834, aged 20 years. 
Jonathan Miles, Feb. 25th, 1830, aged 85 years. 

Mrs. Jonathan Miles, Oct. 5tl^l822, aged 70 years. 
Theophilus Miles, Xot. 11th, 1822, aged 83 years. 
Theophihis Miles, Jr., March 15th, 1840, aged 70 years. 
Ebenezer Xorthrop, Jan. 11th, 1835, aged 49 years. 
Miss Lucy Xorton, Dec. 31st, 1809, aged 30 years. 
John Pitt, Xov. 11th, 1848, killed by the bursting of a cannon. 
Ebenezer Peck, Sept. 20th, 3813, aged 70 years. 
Hiram Eandall, Dec. 14th, 1833. 

Betsey, wife of Moses Eiggs, Sept. 12th, 1828, aged 40 years. 
John Eiggs, Xov. 14th, 1855, aged 84 years. 

Marv, wife of John Eiggs, Dec. 15th. 1827, aued 53 years. 
David Sanford, IMarch 7th, 1842. 
Dr. Samuel Sanford, Jan. 25th, 1803, aged 38 years. 
Jason Skeels, Xov. 1st, 1855, aged 40 years. 
Col. Ira Smith, Xov. 19th, 1822, aged 44 years. 
Jesse Smith, 1831, aged 05 years. 

Sarah, wife of Jesse Smith, Feb, 1820, aged 55 years. 
James Spencer, May 30th, 1827, aged 30 years. 
Capt. Bradford Steele, April 18th, 1804, aged 09 years. 

Mary, wife of Capt. Bradford Steele, Oct. 10th, 1788, aged 57 years. 
Deacon Bradford Steele, Dec. 23rd, 1841, aged 80 years. 
Xorman Steele, July 9th, L822, aged 40 years. 
Abiram Stoddard, Xov. 23rd, 1855, aged 79 years. 

Eunice, ^vife of Abiram Stoddard, Aug. 23rd, 1855, aged 09 years. 
John Storrs, March 18th, 1841, aged 42 years. 
Mark Tomlinson, Oct. 2nd, 1822, aged 30 years. 
Sheldon Tucker, Jan. 5th, 1843, aged 57 years. 
Zephaniah Tucker, Sept. 18th, 1848, aged 89 years. 
Smith Washburn, Mav 21st, 1823, aged 28 rears. 
John Todd Wheeler, (born May 4th, U77), died Sept. 3rd, 1808, M. 91 yrs.4m. 

Sarah Clark Wheeler, Aug. 14th, 1823, aged 47 years. 

Almira Chatfield Wheeler, Dec. 12th, 1873, aged 82 years and months. 
Sally Wheeler, Aug. 14th, 1823, aged 47 years. 
Simon Wheeler, Sept. 22nd, 1794, aged 24 years. 
Daniel White, May 0th, 1854, aged 70 years. 
Isaac White, Feb. 0th, 1802, aged 72 years. 
John White, Xov. 17th, 1830, aged 73 years. 

Abigail, wife of Marchant Wooster, Dec. 18th, 1832, aged 78 years. 
Grace, wife of Clark Wooster, Jan. 1st, 1820, aged 27 years. 
Henry Wooster, May 30th, 1815, aged 79 years. 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 131 

Elizabeth, wife of Henry AVooster, Sept. Ttli, 1780, aged 44 years. 
John Wooster, Aug. 2iul 1804, aged 84 years. 

Eunice, ^\ife of elolm Wooster, Xov. 17th, 1799, aged 74 years. 
John Wooster, Oct. 27tli, 182.3, JE. 00. Arrived from England Sept. oth, 1819. 




MORNIXG STAK LODGE, :So. 47, F. & A. M. 

The time-honored order of Free Masonry is repre- 
sented in this town by a lodge which has reached the 
venerable age of seventy-four years. Morning Star 
T ndge was constituted under a charter from the M. W. 
> iphen Titus Hosmer, Esq., Grand ]Master of the 
.Vucient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted 
Masons for the State of Connecticut, bearing date, or 
rather granted the 18th day of October, A.D. 1804. The petitioners to whom 
the charter was granted were Adam Lum, Yeren Dike, Silas Sperry, Geo. W. 
Thomas, Benjamin Candee, Lewis Wakelee, E. C. Candee, Joel Finch, Ar- 
nold Loveland, William Ilurd, Wm. Bronson, Daniel Candee, Abel 
Wheeler, Samuel Biggs, William Morris, Levi Candee, Nathan Davis, 
Charles Mouson, Jessie Scott and Moses Candee, "Brethren of the Honora- 
ble Society of Alasons residing in the town of Oxford." 

Abel Wheeler is named in the charter as first ^Master, Levi Candee as 
Senior Warden and William Moms as Junior Warden. 

In 1832, so much had the principles of the order been misrepresented 
that the following declaration was prepared by the Grand Lodge, signed by 
members of the order generally throughout the State, and published, not only 
in the Masonic proceedings, but in the newspapers of the day, and helped to 
a great extent to allay the prejudices against the order. Appended is the 
declaration and the names of signers who lived in this vicinity. 

Whereas, charges have been made against the Institution of Freemasonry, accusing the 
whole Fraternitv^witb having adopted and cherished principles dangerous to the community and re- 
pugnant to morality and religion; and from the silence of the members of our Institution concerning 
these accusations, many persons have supposed or may suppose that we admit tlie truth of these 
charges, or that we cannot conscientiously deny them: 

We, the officers and members of the Grand Lodge of the State of Connecticut, and of the 
subordinate Lodges under its jurisdiction, have come to the conclusion that justice to ourselves and 
a decent regard for the opinions of our fellow-citizens, demand from us a public avowal of the prin- 
ciples of the Order, and of the nature and tendency of the Institution. A declaration on this subject, 
dated December 31st, 1831, having been made and published by our brethren of the Masunlc Frater- 
nity in the State of Massachusetts, to which we fully assent, as it is strictly true in all respects, we 
have adopted the same, and now beg leave to present it to the public. 

Whereas, it has been frequently asserted and publisheil to the world, that in the several de- 
grees of FREEMASONRY, as they are conferred in the United States, the candidate, on his initia- 
tion and subsequent advancement, binds himself by oath, to sustain his Masonic brethren in acts 
which are at variance with the fundamental principles of morality, and incompatible with his duty as 
a good and faithful citizen. Injustice, therefore, to themselves, and with a view to establish truth 
and expose IMPOSITION, the undersigned, members of the Masonic Fraternity, and many of us the 
recipients of every degree of Freemasonry known and acknowledged in this country, do most sol- 
emnly DENY the existence of any such obligation in the MASONIC INSTITUTION, as far as our 



132 



SEYMOUE AKD VICINITY. 



knowledge respectively extends. And we do also solemnly aver, that no person is admitted to tlie 
Institution, without first being made acquainted with the nature of the obligations which he will be 
required to ijicur and assume. 

Freemasonry secures its members in the freedom of thought and of speech, and permits each 
and every one to act according to the dictates of his own conscience in matters of religion, and of 
liis personal preferences in matters of politics. It neither knows, nor does it assume to inflict upon 
its erring members, however wide may be their aberations from duty, any penalties or punishments 
other than Admonition, Suspension and Expulsion. 

The obligations of tire Institution require of its members a strict obedience to the laws of God 
and man. So far from being bound by any engagements inconsistent with the happiness and pros- 
perity of the nation, every citizen, who becomes a Mason, is doubly bound to be true to his God, his 
country, and his fellow-men. In the language of the "Ancient Constitutions" of the Order, which 
are printed and open for public mspectiou, and which are used as text-books in all our Lodges, he is 
"required to keep and obey the moral law, to be a quiet and peaceable citizen, true to his govern- 
ment and just to his country." 

Masonry disdains the making of proselytes. She opens the portals of her asylum to those only 
who seek admission, with the recommendation of a character unspotted by immorality and vice. She 
simply requires of the candidate his assent to one great fundamental religious truth, — the existence 
AND Providence of GOD, and a practical acknowledgement of those infallible doctrines for the 
government of life, which are written by the finger of God on the heart of man. 

Entertaining such sentiments, as Masons, as Citizens, as Christians, and as moral men, and 
deeply impressed with the conviction that the Masonic Institution has been, and may continue to 
be, productive of great good to their fellow-men; and having "received the laws of the Society, and 
its accumulated funds, in sacred trust for charitable purposes," the undersigned can neither renounce 
nor abandon it. 

We most cordially nnite with our brethren of Massachusetts, "in the declaration and hope, 
that, "should the people of this country become so infatuated as to deprive Masons of their civil 
rights, in violation of ihe written constitutions and the wholsome spirit of just laws and free govern- 
ment, a vast majority of the Fraternity will still remain firm, confiding in God and the rectitude of 
their intentions for consolation under the trials to which they may be exposed." 

Newel Jolmsoii, Lyman Riggs, ^eth Green, 

John L. Daniels, Gad Hitchcock, Sheldon Beebe, 

Ebeuezer Fisher, Smith Clark, George Gunn, 

John S. Moshier, John Smith, Jacob Eockwell, 

Josiah Nettleton, Sidney R. Wildman, Thomas M. Iledden, 

Henry Leforge, Charles Ransom, David Candee, 

David Sanford, Chamicey Haines, David McEwen, 

Hiram Upson, Daniel Hyatt, Noah Stone, 

Daniel Hitchcock, Samuel Riggs, Nathan B. Fairchild, 

Leman Chatfield, Chamicey M. Hatch, Isaiah Candee, 

Sheldon Canfield, John jSI. Hart, Willis Smith, 

Henry Wooster, David M. Clark, Harry Oshorn, 

Oliver H. Stoddard, Samuel Wire, Ethel Blackman, 

J. II. De Forest, Minot Barnes, John Storrs, 

Chester Jones, Edward Booty, Roswell Cable, 

Isaac White, Levi Candee, Nathan J. Wilcoxon, 

Henry C. Atwood, Thomas A. Dutton, William Morris, 

Seth Crosby, Samuel Meigs, Jesse Joy, 

Thomas Buxton, James W. Hurd, Alfred Harger, 

Henry Buxton, Daniel Smith, Philo Wooster, 

Garry Riggs, Joseph Clark, Aslibel Baldwin, 

Henry A. McGary, Charles Morgan, George B. Piatt. 

The Lodge met in Masonic Hall, Oxford, until 1814, when owing to 
decreased numbers from removals and other causes, the sessions were sus- 
pended. It was re-organized May 14th, 1851, with George B. Glendining as 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 133 

Master, David J. McEwen Senior Warden, and Alfred French Junior 
Warden, and removed to Seymour. E. G. Storer was then Grand Secre- 
tary. Since this time the lodge has prospered and its total membership, 
from the date of the charter until now, has been about three hundred and 
seventv-five. 



MASTERS OF THE LODGE. 



1804, 


Abel Wheeler. 


1838, 


1805, 


Abel Wheeler. 


1839, 


180G, 


Abel Wheeler. 


1840, 


1807, 


Levi Candee. 


1841, 


1808, 


Abel Wheeler. 


1842, 


1809, 


William Morris. 


1843, 


1810, 


David J. McEwen. 


1851, 


1811, 


William Morris, 


1852, 


1812, 


Chauncey M. Hatch. 


1853, 


1813, 


Levi Candee. 


1854, 


1814, 


David J. McEwen. 


1855, 


1815, 


Levi Candee. 


1856, 


1816, 


David J. McEwen. 


1857, 


1817, 


Chauncey M. Hatch. 


1858, 


1818, 


David J. McEwen. 


1859, 


1819, 


Men-it Bradley. 


1860, 


1820, 


Merrit Bradley. 


1861, 


1821, 


Men-it Bradley. 


1862, 


1822, 


Samuel Wire. 


1863, 


1823, 


Chauncey M. Hatch. 


1864, 


1824, 


David M. Clark. 


1865, 


1825, 


Cyrus Humphreys. 


1866, 


1826, 


Jesse Joy. 


1867, 


1827, 


Jesse Joy. 


1868, 


1828, 


John M.'Hart. 


1869, 


1829, 


John M. Hart. 


1870, 


1830, 


Henry C. At wood. 


1871, 


1831, 


Henry C. Atwood. 


1872, 


1832, 


Henry C. Atwood. 


1873, 


1833, 


John M. Hart. 


1874, 


1834, 


John M. Hart. 


1875, 


1835, 


John M. Hart. 


1876, 


1836, 


David M. Clark. 


1877, 


1837, 


David M. Clark. 


1878, 



William Ilinnian. 
John M. Hart. 
David I\[. Clark. 
Garry Eitrgs. 
John M. liart. 
Charles Ransom. 
George B. Glendining. 
David J. McEwen. 
Harris B. Munson. 
Joseph Chipman. 
Joseph Chipman. 
Stephen I). Russell. 
Ashbel Storrs. 
Stephen D. Russell. 
Elihu D. Eoote. 
Israel French. 
Philo Buckingham. 
George W. Divine. 
Ashbel Storrs. 
Samuel P. Davis. 
Samuel P. Davis. 
Samuel P. Davis. 
Samuel P. Davis. 
Samuel P. Davis. 
Stephen R. Rider. 
Stephen R. Rider. 
Stephen R. Rider. 
Henry A. Rider. 
William S. Cooper. 
William S. Cooper. 
William K. Holmes. 
William K. Holmes. 
William K. Holmes. 
William Halligan. 



134 



SEYMOUE AKD VICIXITY. 



MECHANICS' LODGE, No. 73, I. O. O. F. 



Horace A. Eatlford, 

Martin Kelly, 
Daniel J. Putman, 



Institued May 27th, 1851. 

chahter imejieers. 

Julius Bassett, John Scott, 

John Hilton, Charles Kewton, 

H. P. Davis, John L. Hartson, 

W. J. Merrick. 



W. W. White, 
John Davis, 
J. A. Stevens, 



Geo. E. Lester and Wm. A. Hudies were the first candidates for initiation. 



NOBLE GEANDS. 



Julius Bassett, 
Daniel J. Putman, 
Martin Kellv, 
W. J. IMerrick, 
John A. Hartson, 
Harpin Davis, 
W. W. White, 
Wm. A. Hughes, 
George E. Lester, 
Henry Bradley, 
John Davis, 2nd, 



R. W. Scott, 
A. G. White, 
David Tucker, 
H. T. Booth, 
Mitchell Vincent, 
Charles Newton, 
George Upson, 
John Hilton, 
H. A. Radford, 
A. J. Beers. 
W. E. Hendryx, 



Peter Ward, 
F. H. Beecher, 
W. D. Bissell, 
John W.Woodruff, 
W. S. Cooper, 
John Whiting, 
Sylvester Smith, 
W. D. Dibble, 
Ed. D. Phelps, 
James K. Adams, 



SECRETARIES. 
W. J. Merrick, H. T. Booth, M. K. Tucker, 

H. Davis, George E. Lester, James K. Adams, 

Wm. A. Hughes, Mitchell Vincent, W. S. Cooper, 
Geo. Leavenworth, A. G. White, Peter Ward, 

James Davis, Frank H. Beecher, J. E. Buckley, 



Harvey Rugg, 
E. C. Brown, 
J. W. Smith, 
Samuel Butler, 
Robert Healy, 
S. A. Beach, 
James E. Buckley, 
Charles Edwards, 
W. H. Williams, 
Charles P. White. 



E. C. Brown, 
J. W. Smith, 
M. H. Pope, 
H. S. Halligan, 



HUMPHREY LODGE, No. 26, K. of P. 

Instituted Feb. 8th, 1871. 

CHARTER jVIEMBERS. 
S. H. Canfield, C. W. James, 




W. a. Mitchell, 
George Rogers, 
F. M. Lum, 



W. N. Storrs, 
S. C. Tucker, 
Charles French, 
M. R. Castle. 



F. H. Beecher, 
V. H. McEwen, 
George Smith, 
D. C. Castle, 



WORTHY CHANCELLORS. 

1871, First term, Samuel P. Davis, Second term, 

1872, " " W. G. Mitchell, " " 

1873, " " William K Storrs, " " 

1874, " '' William H. Williams, " " 

1875, " " William H. Williams, " '' 

1876, '' " Frank H. Beecher, '' " 

1877, " " William H. Williams, " " 

1878, " " William H. Williams, " " 



George A. Rogers, 
William S. Cooper, 
William H. Williams, 
Charles Short, 
Virgil H. McEweu, 
Frank H. Beecher, 
William H. Williams, 
Joseph H. Smith. 




SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 13^ 



UPSON POST, No. 40, G. A. R. 

Organized in 1873. 

Win. S. Cooper, post commander ; Joseph Ineson, adj. 

Reorganized Feb. IGth, 187G. 

1S7C, Horatio S. Chamberlain, post coniniander; Woos- 
tcr B. INIcEwen, adjutant. 

1877, James E. Buckley, post commander; Edward 



S. Downs, adjutant, 
8, Henry ] 
adjutant 



ERIENDLY SONS OE ST. PATRICK. 

This society is composed of members of Irish birth and their descend- 
ants, without reference or regard to religion or politics. 

The society was organized at Strapp's Hall, Nov. 2nd, 1872, by the follow- 
ing-named persons : William Hayes, Dennis O'Callaghan, Matthias Bunyan, 
Francis McMorrow, Charles McCarthy, Michael Regan, Patrick JMahouey, 
Daniel Mahoney, William Mahoney, Jeremiah Driscol, John Coleman, John 
Bradley, Timothy O'Brien, Peter Sullivan, Edward Strapp, AA'illiam Colbert. 

At the first meeting the following oflScers were elected : President, 
William Hayes ; vice-president, Peter Sullivan ; secretary, Mattliias Bunyan ; 
treasurer, Dennis O'Callaghan ; marshal, Francis McMorrow ; standing com- 
mittee, Edward Strapp, William Colbert, William Mahoney, Charles McCarthy. 

At the last last annual meeting held ]\Iay Itli, 1878, the following 
oiRcers were elected : President, Patrick Sheehan ; vice-president, Jeremiah 
Driscoll ; treasurer, Dennis O'Callaghan ; secretary, AVilliam O'Donnell ; 
marshal, Patrick Mahoney ; standing committee, Daniel McCarthy, Charles 
JMcCarthy Patrick Mahoney, Patrick Crowley. 



SEYMOUR BIBLE SOCIETY. 

Joshua Kendall, president ; Rev. S. C. Leonard and Rev. J. Vinton, 
vice-presidents ; T. B. ]Minor, secretary ; H. A. Radford, treasurer ; L. A. 
Camp, depository. 



136 



SEYMOUR A^D VICINITY. 



ELECTORS OE SEYMOUR, :N^oy. 5th, 1878. 



Emery E. Adams, 
James K. Adams, 
Daniel Agnew, 
Eiifus Alcott, 
Jeremiah Andrews, 
Denizen D. Andrews, 
Richard Asp den, 
Morris Atwood, 
Hem an R. Atwater, 
Frank P. Aylesworth, 
Gustave A. Becker, 
Alonzo Baldwin, 
Edwin Baldwin, 
Edward jM. Baldwin, 
William J. Barr, 
George H. Bartlett, 
Charles H. Bassett, 
Edward F. Bassett, 
Elliot R. Bassett, 
Frank G. Bassett, 
Isaac Bassett, 
John W. Bassett, 
2>royes E. Bassett, 
Samuel Bassett, 
Wilbur Bassett, 
William R. Bates, 
Charles Bay, 
Samuel A. Beach, 
Sharon D. Beach, 
Sharon Y. Beach, 
Burr P. Beecher, 
Frank H. Beecher, 
Frederick Beecher, 
Henry B. Beecher, 
Philo Beecher, 
Yirgil M. Beecher, 
Abel J. Beers, 
Charles M. Beers, 
Herschel G. Beers, 
William Bell, 
David Betts, 
William Blake, 
Winiield Blake, 
George Blakesley, 
Frederick Boeker, 
Albert Booth, 
John Bowen, 



Lyman Botsford, 
Lucius Botsford, 
Smith Botsford, 
Harvey L. Botsford, 
Edwin Botsford, 
Charles S. Botsford, 
Henry Botsford, 
Charles Bradley, 
Edward B. Bradley, 
Henry Bradley, 
John H. Bradley, 
Leonard Bradley, 
Abraham H. Bristol, 
Nicholas Brockway, 
Nicholas Brockway, Jr., 
Edward C. Brown, 
Valentin Buchele, 
Edwin Buckingham, 
Henry Buckingham, 
Isaac Buckingham, 
Virgil Buckingham, 
Willis Buckingham, 
James E. Buckley, 
Matthias Bunyan, 
George W. Burroughs, 
Nathan A. Brushell, 
Samuel Butler, 
Dennis Gahill, 
Dennis Callahan, 
Lewis A. Camp, 
Samuel P. Camp, 
DeForest Canlield, 
Frank E. Caufield, 
Samuel Canlield, 
Samuel H. Canlield, 
Carl Carlson, 
Harvey Carpenter, 
Heber P. Carpenter, 
Jay Carpenter, 
Smith T. C'arpenter, 
Nicholas Cass, 
DeWitt C. Castle, 
John H. Castle, 
Martin R. Castle, 
Thomas W. Chadwick, 
Henry R. Chamberlain, 
Horatio S. Chamberlain, 



Hiram Chatfield, 
Howard Chatfield, 
Joel Chatfield, 
Joel R. Chatfield, 
Heman Childs, 
Charles Church, 
Noyes Church, 
John Clancy, 
Albert E. Clark, 
Daniel W. Clark, 
Andrew J. Clearwater, 
William H. Cleary, 
-Frederick M. Clemens, 
Lyman A. Clinton, 
Thomas P. Cochran, 
John A. Cochran, 
William Colbert, 
James Condon, 
James Condon, 2nd, 
Patrick Condon, 
AYilliam Coney, 
Michael Conroy, 
Owen Conroy, 
David R. Cook, 
Timothy Cooper, 
AYilliam S. Cooper, 
Frank Couverette, 
Arvin N. Crittenden, 
Daniel Crowley, 
Florence Crowley, 
Patrick Crowley, 
Timothy Crowley, 
William A. Crowther, 
Dennis Crummy, 
Stephen H. Culver, 
S. Hart Culver, 
Michael Cunningham, 
Owen Cunningham, 
John T. Curry, 
John Daily, 
John Davenport, 
Burr S. Davis, 
George S. Davis, 
Henry P. Davis, 
Isaac H. Davis, 
John Davis, 
John Davis, 2nd, 



SEYMOUR AND VICINITY. 



131 



Leonard A. Davis, 
Lewc41vn Davis, 
Marcus Davis, 
Sannu'l P. Davis, 
Zerali B. Davis, 
Ediuuiul Dav, 
Henry P. Day, 
Austin G. Day, 
Theodore L. Decker, 
John W. De Forest, 
Samuel R. Dean, 
Alva G. DeWolt; 
William W. I3ibl)le, 
George A. Divine, 
George "\V. Divine, 
George P. Doolittle, 
Oliver Doolittle, 
James Donahue, 
Walter W. Dorman, 
Henry Downs, 
Isaac Downs, 
William A. Downs, 
Jeremiah Driscol, 
Albert B. Dunham, 
Henry A. Dunham, 
Daniel T. Dunham, 
Joseph E. Dupee, 
Jeremiah Durand, 
Charles Edwards, 
George S. Edwards, 
Horatio N. Esrgleston, 
Adolph F. Ei'bel, 
Frederick Emery, 
Richard J. W. Emery, 
David Evans, Jr., 
Jacob Faber, 
Ebenezer Fairchild, 
Ira G. Farrell, 
Patrick Fitzgibbons, 
Michael Foii'artv, 
Frank J. Ford,' 
John B. Ford, 
Lyman H. Ford, 
Philo James Ford, 
Samuel C. Ford, 
John T. Forsey, 
George Fowler, 
Thaddeiis Fowler, 
Raymond French, 
Carlos French, 
Adonijah French, 
Charles H. French, 
Hiram French, 



John W. French, 
AVarren French, 
Dwight Garrett, 
George li. Garrett, 
Lewis Garrett, 
Frank C. Gerard, 
David Gearv, 
-Eli Gillett, ' 
Lucius Gillett, 
Tlioinas F. Gilyard, 
William F. Giiyard, 
Stephen B. Gregory, 
Charles H. Guild, 
Joseph Hairan, 
Albion A. Hall, 
William P. Hall, 
Harvey S. Halligan, 
William Halligan, 
Alfred E. Hanchett, 
Charles Hanchett, 
Charles F. Hard, 
Cornelius Hard, 
Frederick Han-is, 
Charles Hawkins, 
Joseph Hawkins, 
Samuel Hawkins, 
AVilliam Hayes, 
Robert Healey, 
Wilson E. Hendryx, 
Samuel Hickox, 
David R. Hill, 
George H. Hill, 
Charles X. Hiumau, 
Joseph Hitchcock, 
Edward L. Hoadley, 
Andrew Holbrook, 
Charles F. Holbrook, 
Horace Holbrook, 
Nathan Holbrook, 
Philo Holbrook, 
Thomas C. Holbrook, 
AVilliam Holbrook, 
Willis R. Holbrook, 
John Hollo way, 
William K. Holmes, 
George H. Homan, 
George W. Homan, 
Charles D.Houghtaling, 
Wm. N. Houghtaling, 
Burton C. Hotchkiss, 
Harvey Hotchkiss, 
Burr A. Howard, 
James Howard, 



Sidney A. Hubbell, 
William Howes, 
DeWitt C. Hull, 
.lohu C. Hull, 
Cliarles R. Hurlburt, 
Thomas E. Hurlburt, 
Charles L. Hyde, 
Henry J. lies, 
J erred lies, 
Joseph Ineson, 
Cornelius W. James, 
Thomas L. James, 
George A. James, 
David Johns, 
Thomas Johns, 
David Johnson, 
John R. Johnson, 
Sheldon C. Johnson, 
Thouuis James, 
William B. Johnson, 
William C. Johnson, 
John Kelleher, 
Charles D. Kelsey, 
F. Xavier Kempf, 
Joshua Kendall, 
Roswell N. Kinney, 
Walter S. Keuney, 
Henry Kershaw, 
John King, 

Frederick Kokenwrath, 
Theodore S. Ladd, 
Martin Lauglilin, 
Geoi'ge Leavenworth, 
Geo. B. Leavenworth, 
AVilliam Leahy, 
(yeorge E. Lester, 
Stephen C. Leonard, 
Evans Llewellyn, 
Evans A. Llewellyn, 
Edmoud Libby, 
Washington 1. Lines, 
Albert A. Lockwood, 
Charles H. Lockwood, 
Henry B. Lockwood, 
Isaac Losee, 
Isaac Losee, Jr., 
William Losee, 
Frederick G. Losee, 
Albert W. Lounsbury, 
John Lounsbury, 
Ernest Luedus, 
James Lyon, 
John Lyon, 



138 



SEYMOUR AKD VlCmiTY. 



Patrick Mahoney, 
Eli Mallory, 
Charles Manweiller, 
Henry Manweiller, 
John R. Matthews, 
Robert A. Matthews, 
Robert McKay, 
George C. Munger, 
John McLane, 
Charles McCarty, 
Daniel McCarty, 
John McCarty, 
Hugh McCormick, 
Virgil H. McEwen, 
Michael MclSTurney, 
John T. Miles, 
Sheldon Miles, 
John H. Miller, 
Thomas B. Minor, 
Howard F. Moshier, 
William Molan, 
James Morris, 
John E. Morris, 
William Morris, 
Harris B. Munson, 
Harris B. Munson, Jr. 
Dennis H. Munson, 
Michael ISTagle, 
Julius H. Newton, 
Michael Ney, 
William B. Mchols, 
Henry D. Northrop, 
John O'Brien, 
William O'Donnel, 
Frederick O'Meara, 
Josiah A. O'Meara, 
Charles J. Osborn, 
Noah A. Osborn, 
John Owens, 
John F. Parker, 
Briggs M. Parmelee, 
Ira A. Parmelee, 
Ira B. Parmelee, 
Wallace A. Parmelee, 
John J. Peck, 
Frederick C. Peck, 
Edward G-. Peck, 
Jesse D. Perkins, 
Henry Perthes, 
Charles H. Pickett, 
Christian Pickhart, 
Richard Pierson, 
Matthew H. Pope, 



Frederick Popp, 
Jabez E. Pritchard, 
Frederick W. Pulford, 
Horace A. Radford, 
Edward H. Randall, 
Hiram W. Randall, 
Samuel H. Rankin, 
Joseph Reigel, 
Charles E. Reynolds, 
William B. Reynolds, 
Henry A. Rider, 
Harpin Riggs, 
John H. Riggs, 
William J. Roberts, 
George F. Robinson, 
Harvey N. Rogers, 
Isaac Rogers, 
John W. Rogers, 
Isaac Rood, 
Henry Rose, 
Samuel Roselle, 
Frederick A. Rugg, 
Harvey Rugg, 
Frank H. Russell, 
Stephen D. Russell. 
Patrick Ryan, 
Thomas Ryan, 
Thomas Ryan, 2nd, 
William Ryan, 
James Samuels, 
Sheldon Sanford, 
Henry C. Schneider, 
John Scholield, 
David Scranton, 
Thomas Sharpe, 
William C. Sharpe, 
John Shay, 
Michael Shay, 
Patrick Sheehan, 
Terrence Sheridan, 
William B. Sherman, 
Charles J. Short, 
George A. Simpson, 
Burton W. Smith, 
Charles Smith, 
Edwin Smith, 
George Smith, 
George A. Smith, 
George H. Smith, 
George W. Smith, 
James M. Smith, 
John W. Smith, 
Joseph H. Smith, 



Matthew Smith, 
Robert N. Smith, 
Samuel R. Smith, 
Theodore L. Smith, 
Traver Smith, 
Wilbur W. Smith, 
William Smith, 
William C. Smith, 
Abel y. Somers, 
Charles Spencer, 
Charles E. Spencer, 
James S. Spencer, 
AVillard James Spencer, 
George C. Sperry, 
Marcus Sperry, 
Norman Sperry, 
John Spiers, 
Henry Spoonheimer, 
Henry J. Spoonheimer, 
John Spoonheimer, 
Timothy Squires, 
Frank E. Steele, 
Jeremiah Stever, 
Thomas Stoddard, 
Arthur L. Storrs, 
Aslibel Storrs, 
(yliarles W. Storrs, 
William N. Storrs, 
Henry W. Stratton, 
Ira A. Stuart, 
Levi B. Stuart, 
John Sullivan, 
Peter Sullivan, 
James Swan, 
William B. Swan, 
])aniel S. Swan, 
Smith Terrell, 
Theodore S. Terrell, 
Benjamin B. Thayer, 
Gotlib Theurer, 
Daniel B. Tolles, 
Edwin Tomlinson, 
James AV. Tomlinson, 
William R. Tomlinson, 
William E. Treat, 
Charles C. Trumpbour. 
David Tucker, 
Medad K. Tucker, 
Sheldon C. Tucker, 
Cornelius Turk, 
Thomas Urel, 
James H. Van Buren, 
Joseph Vinton, 



SEYMOUR AND VICmiTY. 



139 



Peter Ward, 
Egbert R. Warner, 
Charles F. Warren, 
AVilford I. Warren, 
George H. Washband, 
Charles H. Weaver, 
Lazarus G. Weaver, 
Charles Weidlich, 
William J. Welch, 
Charles S. Weller, 



Andrew W. Weston, 
Frederick Weston, 
Wilson Weston, 
Henrv Wheeler, 
Charles P. White, 
George B. AVbite, 
Nathan F. White, 
Joseph Whitely, 
Joseph J. Wilcoxson, 
Frank G. Williams, 
Total, 489. 



Leroy Williamson, 
Bennett Wooster, 
Charles A. Wooster, 
Nathan R. Wooster, 
Eugene A. Wyant, 
Frank II. Wyant, 
Henry L. Wyant, 
Leonard Wyant, 
Wilson Wyant, 
Samuel L. Bassett. 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 

MERCHANTS. 
Atwood & BeTTS, dealers in Clothing, Books and Stationery, No. 3 Davis' 
Block. 

E. F. Bassett, dealer in Furniture and House Furnishing (xoods, and 

General Furnishing Undertaker, Maple street, near First. 
S. Y. Beach, dealer in Coal and Lumber, corner of Main and Maple streets. 
Burr P. Beecher, dealer in Groceries and Provisions, Main street. 
Henry Bradley, dealer in Millinery and Fancy Goods, Hull's Building. 
S. W. Buckingham, dealer in Beef, Pork, Poultry, &c.. No. 4 Davis' Block. 
John A. Cochran, Agt., dealer in Groceries and Provisions, corner of Hill 

and Pearl streets. 
Henry A. Dunham, dealer in Groceries and Provisions, Main street, near 

depot. 
Geo. S. Edwards, dealer in Stoves, Tinware, Crockery, Hardware, Cutlery, 

&c., corner of Maple and Second streets. 
James Howard, dealer in Meat, &c.. Main street, below Hill street. 
McEWEN & CA3IP, dealers in Dry Goods, Groceries, School Books, &c., 

Maple street, near First. 
J. N. POPP, Merchant Tailor, Third street. 
M. M. Randall, dealer in Dry Goods and Groceries, corner of Main and 

Broad streets. 
Jas. L. Spencer, dealer in Beef, Pork, Lard, &c.. Main St., south of depot. 
C. W. Storrs, dealer in Dry Goods, Hardware, Newspapers, Magazines, 

&c., James' Building, next door to post-office. 
David Tucker, dealer in Flour, Grain, Feed and Fertilizers, corner of Main 

and Broad streets. 
Wooster, Dean & Buckingham, dealers in Dry Goods, Hardware, 

Lumber, Coal, etc.. Brick Store, opposite the depot. 
PHYSICIANS. 

*Mbmi5Eks of the Connecticut Medical Society. 
S. C. Johnson,* house corner of Church and West streets. 
Joshua Kendall,* house corner of Chunli and West streets. 

F. W. PULFORD, Homeopathic, house on Pearl street. 
Thomas Stoddard,* house corner of ^laiu and Pearl streets. 
Egbert R. Warner, house corner of Maple and Second streets. 

DRUGCUSTS AND APOTHECARIES. 
S. H. Canfield, James' Building, Main street. 
George Smith, No. 1 Davis Block. 



140 SEYMOUE AND VICINITY. 

HOTELS. 
WoosTER House, A. B. Dimliam, Proprietor, corner of Second and Ray- 
mond streets. 
Seymour House, Peck & Riggs, Proprietors, Broad street. 
HU3IPHREY House, J. W. Meredith, Proprietor, Fii'st street. 

. LIVERY AND FEED STABLES. 
A. B. Dunham, corner of Second and Raymond streets. 
John Hollow ay, Broad street, east of Congregational church. 
H. A. Rider, Main street, near foot of Hill street. 
John Splers, Derby Avenue, south of Congregational church. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

F. P. Aylesworth, Plain and Ornamental Hair-work, Church street. 
Wilbur Bassett, Painter, Hill street, south of Pearl street. 

Mrs. Wilbur Bassett, Dressmaker, Hill street, south of Pearl street. 

N. A. Brushell, Barber and Hair-dresser, Main street, near post-office. 

Smith T. Carpenter, General Carting, Pearl street. 

Mrs. G. W. Divine, Dressmaker, house Maple street. 

E. Fairchild, Carriage Making and Repairing, Maple street. 

Mrs. G:fiORGE Fowler, Dressmaker, residence on First avenue. 

Philip Heilman, Boot and Shoemaker, No. 2 Davis' Block, room 4, 

W. I. Lines, Painter, Chestnut street. 

Isaac Losee, Boot and Shoemaker, No. 1 French's Building. 

Michael McNurney, Blacksmithing and Repairing, Maple street, near 

covered bridge. 
Sheldon Miles, manufacturer of Clock Cord, Banding, Fish Lines, &c. 
John H. Miller, Shoemaker and dealer in Confectionery, Broad street. 
William Morris, Harnessmaker, corner of Maple and First streets. 
H. B. MuNSON, Attorney at Law, office James' Building. 
Henry Schneider, Barber and Hair-dresser, No. 5 Davis' Block. 

A. H. SCRANTON, Newsdealer, No. 3 French's Building. 

Thomas Sharpe, Carpenter and Builder, corner of Hill street and Washing- 
ton Avenue. 
W. C. Sharpe, Printer and Publisher, No. 2 Davis' Block, second floor. 

B. W, Smith, Insurance Agent and Notary Public, corner of Derby Avenue 

and Grove streets. 
James Smith, Machinery and Repairing, Factory street, foot of Raymond st. 
General Blacksmithing in shop attached to Machine Works. 

G. C. Sperry, Painter, house Mill street. 

AsHBEL Storrs, Carpenter and Builder, house North street. 

L. B. Stuart, Jeweler, No. 3 French's Building. 

B. B. Thayer, Truckman, residence Derby avenue. 

W. H. Williams, Attorney at Law, office James' Building. 



SEYMOUE AM) VICINITY. 



141 




j"j^DN</^ES s^vVJ^Dsr, 



SUCCESSOR TO 



THE DOUGLASS MANUFACTURING C03IPANI, 

(EsTABUSnKD IN 1856), 

MANUFACTCKER OF 

AUGERS, AUGER BITS, GIMLETS. HOLLOW AUGEKS, 

EXPANDING BITS, PATENT AUGER HANDLES, EOKING 

MACHINES, CHISELS, GOUGES, DRAWING 

KNIVES, SCREW-DRIVERS, 

REAMERS, ETC. 



H. B. BEECHER, 

Successor to FRENCH, SWIFT & CO.. 

(Estabi,ishi':d ix 1847), 

jianufacturer of 

AUGERS, AUGER BITS, HOLLOW AUGERS, &c. 



HUMPHREYSVILLE MAXUFACTURING CO. 

manufacturers of 

AUGERS, AUGER BITS, &c. 

George H. Robinson, Norman Sperry, 

David R. Cook, Marcus Sperry. 



142 SEYMOUR AND VICIMTY. 

THE KEW HAYE:N^ COPPER COMPANY. 

Thomas James, President. 

Franklin Farrell, Secretary and Treasurer. 

Directors : Thomas James, Franklin Farrell, E. C. Lewis, Thomas L. James 

and Alton Farrell. 



THE EOWLEK NAIL COMPANY, 

Carlos French, President. Lewis H. Bristol, Secretary. 

MANUTACTDKERS OF 

VULCAN HOESE-SHOE NAILS. 



UNITED STATES PIN COMPANY. 

Henry L. Hotohkiss, President. Lewis H. Bristol, Secretary. 

Carlos French, Treasurer. 



H. P. & E. DAY, 

MANUFACTUREKS OF 

RUBBER PEN-HOLDERS, PROPELLING PENCILS, 
SURGICAL APPLIANCES, &c. 



S. Y. BEACH, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

PRINTING AND COLORED PAPERS. 



CARLOS FRENCH, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

CAR, SFR^IIVG^S 



W. W. SMITH, 

MANUFACTURER OF 



RAYMOND FRENCH, 

MANUFACTURER OP 

PLAIN AND STEEL PLATED OX SHOES. 



SEYMOUR AN^D VICINITY. 143 

AUSTIN G. DAY, 

MANUFACTURER OF 

SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH CABLE. 



GARRET & BEACH, 

MANUFACTURES OF 

GERMAN GIMLET BITS, CAST STEEL REAMERS AND 

SCREW DRIVER BITS. 

Lewis L. Garrett. Sahrtel A. Beach. 



THE SEYMOUR RECORD, 

Published every Thursday morning at 

THE SEYMOUR PRINTING OFFICE, 

No. 2 Davis' Block. W. C. Sharpe, Editor and Publisher. 




incide:n^ts of the revolution. 



When the war of the lievolution broke out, the (vhurchnieii of Water- 
liury, of Connecticut, of New Enghxnd were seen ranged upon the side of 
tlie parent country, and against tlie rebel colonists. They were royalists, or 
tories. They had reasons satisfactory to themselves for their opinions and 
conduct. They wished the success of the British governuient because on that 
success depended their hopes of worldly distinction and religious privilege. 
On that they supposed that they must rely for the permanent ascendancy of 
the Episcopal Church in America — its doctrines, its faith, and its worship. 
To England they were bound by the strongest ties. From that country their 
parish clergymen had from the first received a great part of their support. 
They owed it a debt of gratitude, which if they could not repay, they were 
unwilling to forget. They had always been the weaker party, had been ridi- 
iculed in their weakness, and sometimes voted out of their just rights. Their 
feelings had not been conciliated, and they had come to hate the wliigs heart- 
ily. They now hoped that their wrongs would be redressed. The Episcopal 
clergy of Connecticut and of Kew England took the lead in opposition to the 
war. They kept up a con-espondence with the Society [for Pro])agating the 
Gospel] at home, of which they were beneficiaries, in which they expressed 
their views freely of the merits of the controversy, and gave information of 
the state of the country. The loyalty of their own church was a subject for 
frequent comment and congratulation. Dr. Richard jMansfield, of Derby, 
wrote in December, 1775, that he had preached and taught ((uiet subjection 
to the king and parent state, and that he was well assured that the clergy 
in general of the colony of Connecticut had done the same. Of the one 
hundred and thirty famili(!S under his charge, one hundred and ten, he con- 
tinued, are firm and steadfast friends to government, and detest and abhor 
the present unnatural rebellion, and all those measures which led to it. Fur- 
ther on, he remarked " that the worthy IVFr. Scovill [of Waterbury], and the 
venerable Mr. Beach [of Newtown] have had still better success, scarcely a 
single person being found of their congregations but what hath persevered 
steadfastly in his duty and loyalty." — [History of Waterbury. 

Among those who sympathized with and gave aid to the British forces were 
Henry Wooster, who lived about a mile l)elow the Vi\]h, a brother of John 



14G HISTOEY OF SEYMOUR. 

and Thomas Wooster who lived in what is now Oxford, and David Woos- 
ter, Jun., Avho lived in Giinntown, in what is now Naugatuck, near his father, 
David Wooster, Sen. Upon the bluff east of the 2!s^augatuck, and about a 
quarter of a mile below the Falls, stood, in 1780, a tavern kept by Turel 
AVhittemore — in fact it is still standing in the house now occupied by Martin 
Castle, having been raised a story and enlarged. One Saturday evening in 
March, 1780, there were gathered in the little barroom, Henry Wooster, Jun., 
his cousin David Wooster, Jun., from Gunntowu ; Samuel Doolittle, living 
not far distant but within the limits of New Haven, and others of the neigh- 
borhood. Alexander Graham, having a commission from the British General 
Howe, made his appearance and sought to raise a party among the tories pres- 
ent, for an expedition to Bethany to rob the house of Capt. Ebenezer Dayton, 
previously a merchant of Brookhaven, L. I., who had brought his family and 
goods from Long Island for safety. With him had come other patriots and 
left their valuables in the house taken by him, so that the tory conspirators 
expected to secure valuable booty by despoiling this refuge of the whigs dur- 
ing the absence of its defenders. A party was formed, consisting of Alexan- 
der Graham, DaA'id Wooster, Henry Wooster, Jun., Samuel Doolittle, and 
three others. The next Tuesday evening they proceeded to Dayton's house 
in Bethany, he being in Boston. About midnight they burst into the house, 
seized and bound Mrs. Dayton, ransacked the house, and carried off about 
£150 in gold and silver, and other valuables, after destroying much property 
which they could not carry away. Hastening towards ISTaugatuck, they met 
a young man named Chauncey Judd, and, lest he should expose them, they 
compelled him to go with them. The robbers hid several days in the house 
of David Wooster, Sen., Gunntown. From there they went to the house of 
John Wooster, known as "Capt. John," who kept a tavern in the southern 
part of Oxford. The house stood just back of where the house of David C. 
Eiggs now stands, and was pulled down but a few years since. This Capt. 
Wooster was a great hunter, and had inclosed several hundred acres on the 
hills in the rear of his house, as a deer park, and the place is still known as 
" The Park." After being warmed and fed, they went to a barn a little ways 
south of the house belonging to Daniel Wooster, where they remained during 
the night and the next day, and after several narrow escapes, made their way 
to Derby, and, taking a boat, rowed down the river, closely pursued by 
horsemen on the shore. They arrived at the mouth of the river but just 
ahead of their pursuers, and escaped across the sound to Brookhaven. A 
pursuing party crossed the sound at night and captured the robbers, except 
one who escaped through a window into the woods. Chauncey Judd was 
released and the stolen goods retaken. Graham was found to be a deserter 
from the continental army, with a British commission in his pocket, and was 
sent to Morristown, tried by court martial, condemned and executed. The 
others were put on trial in the Superior Court at New Haven, with Da- 
vul Wooster, Sen., Noah Candee, Daniel Johnson, William Seeley, Francis 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 147 

Xoble, antl Lemuel "Wooding, "SAHiittemore's barkeeper. Two of the accused, 
Scott and Cady, were allowed to turn state's evidence. All the others were 
found guilty. David AVooster, Henry AVooster, Jun., and Samuel Doolit- 
tle were each sentenced to a fine of £50, and imprisonment for four years in 
the Newgate state prison. Noali Candee and David Wooster, Sen., were 
fined each £500 and imprisoned nine months in Hartford jail. Daniel John- 
son was lined £1*50 and imprisoned nine months. Francis Noble was fined 
£50 and imprisoned one year. AVilliam Seeley w^as fined £25 and impris- 
oned nine months. Lemuel Wooding was fined £25 and imprisoned six 
months. In addition, Capt. Dayton recovered heavy danuiges in civil suits 
against the dilferent parties, amounting to several thousand pounds. Mr. 
Judd also recovered £800 from the robbers and their accessories, for dam- 
ages to his son. This sumnuxry punishment was as discouraging to the 
tories of the vicinity as it was encouraging to the struggling patriots. 



NAMES OF SOLDIERS IN ADDITION TO PREVIOUS LISTS. 

WAR OF THE REVOLUTION. 

Dr. Jesse Baldwin, surgeon. 

Abram Bassett, son of Abraham Bassett. 

Joseph Sanford. 

W^AK of 1812. 

David Sanford, son of Capt. Raymond Sanford. 

Capt. Enos Lum, son of William Lum, of Great Hill. 
WAR OF THE REBELLION. 

Charles D. Houghtalling, enlisted from Greenfield, Mass., first in 
receiving ship Ohio, and transferred to gunboat Azalea, as landsman. Dis- 
charged at navy yard, Philadelphia. 

Theodore S. Ladd, Company H, 15th Connecticut Volunteers. j\Ius- 
tered in from Xaugatuck, July 25th, 18G2. Discharged on account of disa- 
bility, August 10, 1803, at Hami)ton, Va. Re-enlisted September 3, 1807, 
and served until the close of the war. 

-Iulius H. Xewton, Company H, 20th (Jonnecticut Volunteers. ^Mus- 
tered in from Bethany, August 15, 1802. Mustered out June 1."), 1805, at 
Washington, D. C. 

Charles H. Pickett, Company H, 15th ConiuH-ticut Volunteers. :\rus- 
tered in from j^augatuck, August 5th, 1802. IMustered out June 27tli, ]8(»5, 
at Xewburn, X. C. 

Carl Carlson, Company A, 3rd \'ermont \'olunteers, enrolled August 
23rd, 1801. Discharged July 11th, 18(15, at Hall's Hill, Va. 



NOTES FROM THE SCHOOL RECORDS. 



GREAT FULL DISTRICT, No. 1. 
The followin.o; particulars are from a book in the possession of Mr. Sam- 
uel P. Davis of Great Hill, consisting of the records of the 8th District of 
the town of Derby, afterward the first district of tlie town of Seymour, fi-om 
ITGGto 1810. 

June 26, 17G7, ITenry Tomlinson elected district committee, Samuel 
Basit, collector. 

Dec. 8, 1709, at house of H. Tomlinson, B. Tomlinson, moderator. Voted 
to hire a Master for the winter and that what overplus there might be should 
be used to pay a Mistress in the sunnner. 

From the record of the meeting held Dec. 12, 1770, at the school-house, 
at 5 p. M., it appears that it was not the custom to hire the teacher for the 
winter until December. The meetings were usually held in the aft(!rnoon. 

Jan. 13, Jonathan Miles, moderator. A motion was made to divide the 
school. The meeting adjourned to the first Monday in March, at 4 P. M., 
at which adjourned meeting an adjournment was again made to March 23rd, 
when it was voted " that tl^ose persons that send their children to ITenry 
Wooster's school shall have their proportion of the school money according to 
their list." 

At the meeting held Nov. 2, 1772, Benjamin Tomlinson, moderator, no ac- 
tion is recorded, except to instruct the committees to hire a teacher for the 
winter, at his discretion. 

The next meeting recorded was held Dec. ye 14th, 1774. ]\Iicah Pool was 
chosen " one of the committee," and Samuel Kussell, clerk. 

It was voted that warnings of the next meeting be posted at the houses of 
Joseph Canfield, George Beard and (3apt. John Lum, six days before the 
meeting. 

Nov. 13, 1775, B. Tomlinson, moderator ; ( 'liristo))li('r Smith was chosen 
one of the committee. 

Probably owing to the troublous times at the beginning of the Pevolntion, 
no meeting seems to have been held in 1770, but Nov. 27, 1777, B. Tomlin- 
son was again moderator. An adjournment was taken from the sclioolhoHseto 
the house of George Bard, Dec. 11, but no business transactions recorded. 



150 HISTOEY OF SEYMOUR. 

Sept. 2, 1778, voted to hire a schoolmaster three months, " and pay the 
master pr. the poll of the scholer after the publick money is gone." 

June 12, 1780, Micah Pool, moderator ; adjourned to June 19th, and voted 
to hire a mistress at six shillings pr. [torn off — probably iveeJi'] " and to pay 
schoolmistress pr. the pool of the schcdlers." 

Oct. 10, 1780, at the house of James Manvil ; ]\Iica Pool, moderator ; 
Henry Tomlinson appointed collector. 

Feb. 15, 1781, Joseph Tomlinson, moderator ; voted to hire a master until 
April 1, and pay by " poll of the scholars." Daniel Tomlinson voted clerk. 

l^ov. 14, 1781, Philo Holbrook voted clerk. The next record is Nov. 23, 
1784, when peace again prevailed, and the school, which very likely had been 
suspended by the necessities of the war for independence, was again awarded 
the attention it deserved, by those lovers of home, church, school, and free 
government. The meeting was held at the house of Geo. Bard ; Zachariah 
Fairchild, moderator. It was " voted to build a schooJhouse on the highway 
near Mr. John Hawley's." Building committee, Ebenezer Lues, Webb Toui- 

linson, Hawkins, Jonathan Lum, Jr., and Pool. " Voted Mr. 

George Bard, Mr. Jonathan Lum, Jr., Mr. Rusil Tomlinson, Committe." 

Xov. 28, 1785, Webb Tomlinson, moderator ; voted a rate of six pence on 
the pound be collected on the list of 1784 to finish the schoolhouse, Jolin 
Hawley, collector. Voted that the warnings for meetings be put up at the 
schoolhouse and Geo. Bard's shop. Voted Sam'l Russel be one of the com- 
mittee in place of Jonathan Lum, Jr. 

March 20, 178G, at the house of John IIa^^'ley ; Henry Tomlinson, modera- 
tor ; John Hawley voted " committyman in room of Joseph Hawldns, also 
Eussell Tomlinson, Sam'l Eussell and James Manville, Committee." 

Nov. 22, 1787, Josiah Nettleton, moderator. 

Dec. 20, 1788, Christopher Smith, moderator, rate laid of 3d. on the £, 
list of 1788, Webb Tomlinson, collector. Samuel Eussell, Eussell Tomlin- 
son and James jManville, committee. 

" October the 25, A. D., 1700. 

"At a lawful meeting lawfully warned and attended, voted Mr. Samue! 
Eussel moderator. 2nd voted Mr. Henry Tomlinson a school Committee in 
the room of INIr. Samuel Eussel. 3d voted Mr. Abel Holbrook clerk for 
this eighth School district, it fourthly voted that the committee should hire 
a school master for this school according to their discretion for the ensuing 
year and pay the Master by the pool of the scholar." 

Mar. 21, 1794, voted Nathaniel Holbrook, Eussel Tomlinson and Jonathan 
Lum, committee. 

Nov. 9, 1795, voted Enos G. Nettleton, clerk ; E. Tomlinson, J. Lum, Jr., 
and James Bassett, committtee. 

Nov. 6, 179G, J. Lum, Nathan ]\Lansfield and N. Holbrook, committee ; 
Enos G. Nettleton, clerk. 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 151 

Nov. 27, 1797, voted E. G. Xettleton, J. Lum and X. ITolbrook, coniniit- 
tee ; voted to hire a master four mouths " by the poll of the scholar." 

Xov. 0, 1798, Amos Bassett, moderator ; Abram Euglish, clerk ; voted 
that the eighth district be divided iuto two districts. 

Oct. 11, 1790, J. Lum, moderator ; Abram English clerk ; J. Lum, X. 
llolbrook and P^phraim Wooster, committee; voted to hire a master five 
mouths. 

Dec. 3, 1800, P^leazer Lewis moderator ; David Tomliusou clerk ; A. Eng- 
lish, ]\roses Fenton, and Richard Ilolbrook, committee; Nathaniel llolbrook, 
collector. 

Dec. 23, 1800, voted Reuben Lum and Wilson Ilurd committee in addition 
to above; and to hire another master and to " divide the money according to 
the poll of the scholars belonging to the first district." 

March 14, 1801, voted to hire a teacher twelve months, the school to be kept 
in the meetinghouse as long as the weather will permit, then to be; contin- 
ued in the school-house. 

Xov. o, 1801, voted John Lum, Jr., INIoses Fenton and Isaac Bassett, com- 
mittee ; David Tomliusou, clerk. 

From the record of the meeting held Nov. 12, 1802, it was voted that " the 
public money of the Great Hill School Society shall be applied to such 
schools as the committee think proper,"aud a provision was made that those who 
were unable to pay the schooling of their children should not be assessed there- 
for, thereby manifesting their belief that it was for the public good that the 
free education of the children of the poor should be provided for. 

April 25, 1803, voted that a rate of six mills on the dollar be laid to repair 
the school-house. 

Oct. 18, 1803, David Tomliuson, collector; J. Lum, Ricliard Holbrook 
and James Bassett, Committee. Voted to hire a teacher for five months. 

"At a legal meeting of the First School District in Great Hill School So- 
ciety, holden at the school-house in said District, Monday, the 18th of ]\Iarcli, 
1805. First, voted Mr. AbnerTibbils, moderator ; 2nd, voted David Tomliusou, 
clerk ; 3rd, voted Mr. Johuathan Lum, Bcnijamin l<]nglish and Wilson Hurd 
a school committee for the first district ; 4tli, voted ]\Ir. Benjamin English a 
collector of IMiss Rebecca French's bill; 5th, voted Ei)hraini Wooster collec- 
tor for the year ensuing." 

Nov. 4th, 1805, J. Lum, moderator ; David Tomliusou, clerk ; J. Lum, 
A. English and Wilson Hurd, committee. Doct. Lum to see to the school- 
house. 

Nov. 19th, 1800, same clerk and moderator elected; Richard Iloll.ro.ik 
and Abm. Euglish committee. 

Nov. 30tli, 1810, John Smitii, moderator; D. Tomliusou, clerk; ailj. to 
"W. A. Gillett's ; Jared ^lausfield and John Smith, committee; ('apt. J. 
Xettleton, collector. " Voted that wood pr. load should be 84 cts. and board- 
ing teacher 7 cts. per uu'al or 87ic. per week. 



152 HISTORY OF SEYMOUE. 

SHRUB OAK SCHOOL. 

Committee, Teachers, Summei'. Teachers, Winter. 

1847-9, Lyman Botsford, Frederick Durand. 

1850, Warren French, Frances Wooster. 

1851, Hiram Upson, 
1852-3, Charles Swift, 

January 4th, 1852, voted to unite with other districts in forming a Union School. 

1854, Warren French, 

1855, David Louusbury, Augusta Sanford, Leverett Mallorv. 

1856, " " Leverett Mallory. 

1857, Chas. R. Hurlburt, 

1858, James E. Fisher, 

1859, Charles Daniels, 
18G0-4, Stephen R. Rider, 

]8G5, Amos G.White, 1800, B.W.Smith, 

1807, Joseph J. Wilcoxon, 1808, Charles W. Storrs, 

BELL SCHOOL, No. 5. 

Teachers, Summer, Teachers, Wintei'. 

1832, Mrs. Travis, - . . Isaac Sperry. 

1833, Miss Piatt, .... Ann Beuham. 

1834, Miss Williams, . . John Northrop. 

Miss Williams kept a Select school, 1835-7. 

1835, James Green, . . . John Lindley. 
1830, Miss Huntington, . . John Northrop. 

1837, Miss Williams, . . . John Lindley. 

1838, Miss Benham, . . Wales Buckingham. 

1839, Miss White, . . - Mrs. Wheeler. 

CENTEE DISTRICT, No. 6. 
Committee. Teachers, Sunmier. Teachers, Winter. 

1846, John Bodge. P. B. Buckingham. 

1847, Ransom Tomlinson, P. B. Buckingham. P. B. Buckingham. 

1848, Crownage Lounsbury. P. B. Buckingham. 

1849, Frederick Lord, Jane M. Wooster. 

1850, Elijah Losee, Charles W. Sharpe. 

1851, Nathan Tomlinson, Stephen S. Mallet. 

School Building moved north of the house of S. T. Beach. 

1852, Albert Allen. 

1854, S. Y. Beach, Laura A. Sperry, E. M. Bradley. 

1855, Thomas James, E. M. Bradley. 

1850, " " School-house moved to its present location. 

1857, Peter Worth, Betsey Leek. 

1858, " " 

1859, - " " M. A. Wilcox, E. L. Tuttle. 

1800, Evan Llewellyn, Cornelia E. Sherwood, Cornelia E. Sherwood. 

1801, Philo B. Buckingham, " " Rhoda Kendall. 

1802, David Betts, Jr., Rhoda Kendall, " " 

1803, Ira E. Parmelee, " " " " 

1804, Henry Kershaw, " " 

1805, Mark Lounsbury, a u 
1800, " " 

1807, Christian Quering, Miss Coltiugham. 



G E X E A L O G I E S . 



" The sacred tie of family, whicli reaching backward and forward, binds 
the generations of men together, and draws out tlie phiintive music of our 
being from the solemn alternation of cradle and grave — the black and white 
keys of life's harpsichord ; the magical power of language, which puts spirit 
in communion with spirit in distant periods and climes ; the great sympathies 
of country, which lead the Greek of the present day to talk of ' the victories 
we gained over the barbarians at ^larathon'; the mystic tissue of race, woven 
tiir back in the dark chambers of the past, and which after the vicissitudes 
and migrations of centuries, wraps up great nations in its broad mantle ; those 
significant expressions which carry volumes of meaning in a word — Forefather, 
Parent, Child, Posterity, Xative Laud : these all teach us, not blindly to 
worship, but duly to honor the past, to study the lessons of experience, to scan 
the high counsels of man in his great associations, as those counsels have been 
developed in constitutions, in laws, in maxims, in traditions, in great, un- 
doubted principles of right and wrong, which have been sanctioned by the 
general consent of those who have gone before us ; thus tracing in human 
institutions some faint reflection of that divine wisdom which fashioned the 
leaf, that unfolded itself six weeks ago in the forest, on the pattern of 
the leaf which was bathed in the dews of Paradise in the morning of crea- 
tion." — IIoN. P^DWARD Everett. 

(tENEALOGtICAL research is becoming more frequent and the data are more 
highly valued with the lapse of ycjars. The following collection is made up from 
town records, family records, old manuscripts, colonial and town histories, and 
the recollection of our older citizens. Where descendants ot the old settlers 
have interested themselves to furnish additional particulars, or where the re- 
cords have been more full, the genealogies are more complete. The fol- 
lowing abbreviations are used; b. for born; m. for married; d. for died. 
D. li. — Derby Records ; '"'"' — volume of births, marriages and deaths. The 
figures preceding names indicate the individuals descended from the same 
ancestor, and are for convenience of reference. The figures on the right 
indicate the generation, thus — John^ indicates the fourth generation from the 
first of the name given. 



ir)4 III STORY OF SEYMOril. 

FKEXCH. 

Francis,' oiu^ of the first settlers of Derby, (see p. 41,) m. Lydia-^^ — . Chil- 
tlreii: ^Lydia, b. Aug. 21, 1002, il. Sept. 7, 1004; "Elizabetli, b. June 20, 
1004; 5 Anna, b. Aug. 10, 1000 ; ^Mary, b. Sept. 4, lOOS, d. Oct. 20, 1077; 
M)orali, b. Sept. 20, 1070; ^gam^el, b. Jan. 0, 1()72; sSusaimah, b. June 

0, l()7o; 1 "Francis, b. Feb. 11, 1077; ^^(Naine torn off the record), ]S"ov. 

1, 1079. Francesi died Feb. 14, 1(>99. 

1 "Francis,^ m. Anna Bowers, Sept. 2, 1703. Children: i^Xathaniel, 
d. Nov. 13, 1770, aged 04 ; i^Samuel, d. Feb. 2, 1783, aged 78 ; i^Charles, 
town clerk of Derby thirty -four years, d. ISTov. 9, 1783, aged 79 ; i^Xsrael. 

i 6 Israel^ was one of the first settlers of the north part of Derby, now 
Seymour, Sarah Loveland, Sept. 11, 1739. Children: ^^David, b. 1741, 
d. Aug. 4, 1821 ; ^^ Israel; ^^ Enoch, the miller; 2ogQ^yp^.g. aifjjjj^j.jgg |,^ 
Dec. 19, 1705. 

^ ^David,^ the oldest son of ' ^ Israel, married Lois Lines of Bethany. He 
first lived on Nyuiuphs Hill, but after a while built in Bethany, then the north 
part of Woodbridge, at the place now occupied by Justus Peck. His children 
were: 2 2David, ^sAdonijah.^iLuther (of Beacon Hill), ss^saph, 26Harry, 
2 7 Sarah, 2 ^ Hannah, 2 9 Dorcas, ^oHepzibah, ^iLydia, ^ 2 Lois. 

22DAVID5. Children: » 5 Utiles (of New Haven) ; ^eoharles; ^THaimah, 
m. Sheldon Clark; ^sEnima, m. Joel White of Oxford; ^^mha, m. John 
Sanford, d. 1877 ; *" Hannah, m. Doolittle, lived in Hamden. 

2 3Adonljah-^ was a justice of the peace and several times one of the rep- 
resentatives of Woodbridge. Children : ^ 2 Ado^^ijai,^ ^ sjyf j]^.^^ 4 4 ^f^jg . 4 5 jj^^j.. 
riett, m. Jared K. Ford. 

21 Charles," b. in town of Derby, Dec. 19, 1705; Anna Woodcock, b. 
iu Milford, Aug. 20, 1703, m. Feb. 23, 1784; Charles," d. April 14, 1814 : 
Anna, d. Dec. 24, 1859. Children : 

^ "Sally, b. Nov. 14, 1784, m. Erastus Sperry, ])ec. 20, 1803. 

^ 1 Polly, b. Oct. 20, 1780, d. Nov. 11, 17J)4. 

^2 Wales, b. Oct. 12, 1788, ra. Betsey Hitchcock, iVpril, 1810, died in N.Y. 
March 5, 1814. His widow died in New Milford in 1820. 

••^Grant, b. Oct. 13, 1790, d, Sept. 29, 1794. 

s4Raymond, b. July 29, 1792, d. Sept. 27, 1794. 

••^ 5 Alfred, b. Aug. 22, 1794, m. Lydia Hotehkiss, d. June 23, 1859 

■•6Grant, b. July 28, 1790. 

"Po!ly,b. Aug.28, 1798, m. Joseph Russell, Dec. 23, 1817, d.May 27, 1805. 

^8 Susan b. July 28, 1800. 

5 9 Harriett, b. March 20, 1803, d. May 5, 1804. 

^"Raymond, b. Jan. 7, 1805, m. Olive Curtiss, Dec, 11, 1833. 

« J Charles, b. Oct. 1, 1807, m. Julia Sperry, Aug. 20. 1831. 



HISTORY OF STOY.MOUR. 155 

' o^ATHAN, m. Lucy Jolnison, Sept, 2, 1773. Children : " > Euniee, b. May 
8, 1775; "2 Asa, b. March 2(), 1777. 

^^Kaymomd, son of (Miarh'S and Anna French, ni. Olive Cnrtiss, Dec 11, 
1S;W. Children:— 

Carlos, ni. Julia II. Thompson of New Milford, 
Ann, ni. Cornelius W. James of Seymour. 
Sarah, m. Judge W, B. Stoddard of New Haven. 
Harriett, m. Samuel H. Cantield of Sevmonr. 



1 f'ENorii^ m. Comfort , died Sept. 27, 1852. Children : " nVilliam, 

b. Sept. 29, 1783, d. Oct. 10, 1823; ""Nancy, b. Dec. 22, 1785, m. William 
Bassett, Jan. 29, 1811 ; "''Bird, of Salisbury, b. Oct. 1, 1797, m. Eliza Tharp, 
Aug. 2, 1822 ; ^^Pamelia, b. Sept. 10, 1799, m. Isaac Bassett, Sept. 8, 1822 ; 
""Enoch, b. Jan. 8, 1803, d. May 12, 1824; ^Hsrael, b. Jan. 29, 1805, m. 
Caroline Tolls, Feb. 8, 1829. 



** "Walter French married Laura Storrs, and came to Humphreysville 
from Mansfield. Ho first introduced the manufacture of aug(;rs in what is 
now Seymour. The first were made in the old shop corner of Hill and Pearl 
streets, Mr. F. being associated with Col. Ira Smith. Soon after, Mr. F. built 
the house on West street formerly occupied by John Washburn, and built a 
sliop a little east of the house now occupied by Warren French. He afterward 
superintended the works of Gen. Clark Wooster, whose shop stood on the 
river bank opposite where the works of James Swan now stands. His shop 
was closed in 1814, and Walter French returned to Westville, to commence 
the manufacture of augers there. Wales French bought the shop by the saw- 
mill, ami, with his brother Warren, carried on the business about two years, 
when Wales sold out and removed to Westville. The children of Walter 
French were: ^-William, ^"^ Warren, ^'*Watson, ^* Wesley, **'^Wales, 
""Washington; ***^Eliza, ni. Levi (lilbert of New Haven; ^ ^ Emily, ni. 
Henry ]McC/oy of Branford ; '■•"Emmeline, m, Lemuel I>liss of Ilniuphreys- 
ville. 

^-William, m. .Alilenna Martin. Cliildrcii : '"Isabel, m. S. C. Ford; 
^^Samuel. 

**nVARKEN, b. Nov. 10, 1804, m. Lucinda liiggs, Nov. 21, 1S23. Chil- 
dren: 9 3Harpen K., ^^ Herman B., ^sLailra M., s" Walter J. 

^^Wesley, ni. 1st, Harriet, daughter of Rev. Samuel Ilickox, 2d, ."Mary 
Bouirhton. 



15(] HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

BOOTH. 

1, Richard Booth,^ was born in England in 1607, came to Stratford, 
Conn, in 1640, m. Elizabeth Hawley. Children : 3, Elizabeth, b. Sept. 12, 
1641, m. John Minor ; 4, Anna, b. Feb. 14, 1643 ; 5, Ephraim, b. Aug. 1, 
1648; 6, Ebenezer, b. Nov. 19, 1651 ; 7, John, b. Nov. 5, 1053 ; 8, Joseph, 
1). March 8, 1656; 0, Bethia, b. Aug. 18, 1658; 10, Johannali, b. March 
21, 1651.— [Stratford Records, vol. 1, p. 24. 

6, Eeenezee,^ m. Sarah Fairchild, Children : 12, Ebenezer, b. 1681, 
d. 1729 ; 13, Benjamin ; 14, Edward ; 15, Deborah ; 16, Elizabeth ; 17, Abi- 
gail. Ebenezer'^ was made a freeman in Hartford court. May 13, 1765, from 
Stratford. 

12, Ebenezer,^ m. Maria Clark, Sept. 8, 1709, settled in Newtown, d. 
in 1729. Children : 18, Ebenezer, b. 1710 ; 19, Deborah ; 20, Ann ; 21, 
Mary ; 22, Eunice ; 23, Abia ; 24, Abner. 

18, Ebenezer.^ Children : 25, Ann, b. Dec. 4, 1740, d. 1741 ; 26, Ebe- 
nezer, b. Aug. 27, 1743 ; 27, Elijah, b. Oct. 30, 1745 ; 28, Ashbel, b. Oct. 
19, 1747; 29, David, b. Oct. 4, 1749, d. 1753; 30, Nathan, b. July 19, 
1751; 31, Amos,b. Aug. 17, 1752; 32, DaAid,b. Oct. 8, 1754; 33, Amos, 
b. Dec. 18, 1758; 34, Amy,b. March 8, 1760; 35, Mary, b. March 17, 1762. 
;,>v^6, Ebenezer,^ m. Olive Sanford, Nov. 20, 1766, lived in Newtown, 
and was by trade a cabinet maker, d. June 4, 1740. Olive, b. March 27, 
1744. d. June 16, 1805. Children: 37, Amy, b. Wednesday, Aug. 12, 1767, 

m. Sherman, d. April 29, 1798 ; 38, Joel b. Saturday, June 17, 1769, d. 

Oct. 4,1794; 39, Olive, b. Thursday, Nov. 7, 1771, m.^o Glover, d. 

June 17, 1794; 41, Rachel, b. Sunday, Oct. 16, 1774, d. Jan. 31, 1777; 42, 

Rachel, b. Oct. 6, 1777, ra. Glover, d. Feb. 23, 1801 ; 43, Ebenezer, b. 

Sunday, Dec. 24, 1780, d. Oct. 17, 1836. 

43, Ebenezer,*' m. Anna Han, Jan. 11, 1802. 

Anna Han was the daughter of Michael Han, who emigrated from Germany in 1752. He worked 
for Capt. Johnson of " Poverty " district, Newtown, several years, then removed to South Britain, 
and tended mill. He married Ruth Squire, sister of Solomon Squire, about 1700. He was one of 
the first members of the South Britain Presbyterian church, having been one of the petitioners to 
the General Assembly for the division of the Southbury church. (Hist. Woodbury, p. y;«.) He 
was early among the defenders of his adopted country, having been at the battle of Crown Point, 
N. Y.. May 10, 177.5, under the command of Col. Seth Warren. He died June 19, 181fi. and was buried 
in the graveyard in Pierce Hollow, about a mile north of South Britain. His children were Mary, 
Benedict, Michael, liosaima, Ruth, Olive, Jacol), James, and Anna who was born Sept. 12, I77il, 
and died Nov. 18, 1867. 

Children of Ebenezer** and Anna Booth : 

44, Charles, b. October 21, 1802, m. ^^aria Booth, daughter of H. Treat 
Booth of \Voodbridge, who was the son of Dr. Peter Booth of Milford. 
Charles died in Seymour, Dec. 12, 1848. Children : 45, Henry Treat, b. May 
12, 1820, d. in Washington, D. C, Jan. 4, 1863; 46, George, 47, Louisa. 

48, Olive Maria, b. Julv 31, 1804, m. Lugrand Sharpe, d. March, 8, 1864. 

49, Rosette, b. July 3, 1807, m. Wilson E. Hendryx, m. Oct. 14, 1830. 
Children : ^" Harry E., •''i Andrew B., -'• -James W., ^^^ Wilbur A. 

54, Mary Ann, b. Nov. 23, 1815, m. David Sackett. 

55, Harry, b. Oct. 2, 1813, d. Oct. 2, 1825. 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUK. 157 

BALDWIN. 

1 Henry', and his wife Alice, of Diindridjje, En^diuid, in his will dated 
1599, ineiitious his sons ^ Richard, ^ Sylvester, ''John and ^Rohert. 

^Sylvester^ m, Jane Willis in 1590, d. in 1038. Children: '^John, 
7 Henry, sRichard, nVilliani, i "Sylvester. 

1 "Sylvester^ in. Sarah Bryan. He sailed for America on ship Martin, 
and died on ihepassa;^e in June, 1638. Children : ^^ Sarah, baptised April 
22,1021; i2Richard, baptised in England, Aug. 25, 1022, d. in Milford, 

'July 23, 1065; i^Mary, Feb. 19, 1025; i^ Martha, baptised April 20, 1628; 
»5Saniuel, Jan. 1,1632, buried June 4,1632; ^ ^Elizabeth, baptised Jan. 
25, 1633; buried Jan. 31, 1033 ; i^john, isRuth. 
-- ^2j>jCH^jjD^ was a leading man in Milford and one of the purchasers of 
Paugassett from the Indians. (See i)age 42.) 

1 9 Barnabas=^, youngest son of i^x^.jehard, was born in 1005, d. 1741. 
Children: soximothy; siTheophilus, b. 1099; 2 2Syivanus, b. 1700, m. 
Mary, daughter of Francis French^. 

2oTraoTnY<^, son of Barnabas, b. 1695, d. 1706. 

2 3CAPT. Timothy", son of soTimothy^, b. Dec. 15, 1722, m. Sarah Beech- 
er, Jan. 15, 174|, who died in 1794, in her 74th year. Children : 2 4gj^j.ah^ 
b. April 11, 1746, m. Simeon Wheeler of Derby, Oct. 10, 1764; 2 5Ximothy, 
b. 1749, m. 1st, Sarah, daughter of Murray Lester of Poughkeepsie, 2d, 
Charity Somers, and left no children ; 2 eThaddeus, b. June 22, 1751 ; 2 7 Anne, 
b. Feb. 24, 1757, m. Edmund Clark of Derby. 

28IsAAC', the miller, son of i^Theophilus'^, b. April 18, 1740, m. Philene 
Pardee of Derby, Dec. 24, 1766, lived in Woodbridge, Bethlehem and Derby, 
d. Jan. 4, 1799. Philene d. July 1826. Children: 2 9i^^achel, b. Sept. 30, 
1767, d. 1786; aoRacli^'b. Sepfr.-3<>, 1769; ^ilsaac, b. Nov. 24, ir^O, 
m. Louina Rowe, removed to Litchfield ; ^2 j^ijas^ b. Jan. 16, 1773; ^sgii^er ; 
34Eunice; a^Louis, b. Nov. 17, 1780; ^^EHphalet, b. 1785; ^^Lyman, 
Aug. 1, 1786. 

3SCHARLES", son 2 2Syivaiius''', b. 1751. 

3 9 Seymour'*, son of Charles, b. 1807, m. Mary Candee of Oxford. 

""Charles C.^, son of saSeymour**, b. 1834, residence Cleveland, Ohio, 
attorney at law, secretary of the Western Reserve and Northern Ohio Histor- 
ical Society, and author of the Genealogy of the Baldwin Family. 

3^Lyman^, ni. Nancy Candee, daughter of Moses Candee of Oxford. 
Children: "^Dr, Edwin C, of Baltimore ; "2juiijis^ of Beach Pond, Pa. ; 

■*3Alviu, '*'*Amanda,m. Cushman ; *^Mary, m. Huntington; 

"•^Emily M., m. Olmstead, of Youngsville, Sullivan Co., Ohio. 

^^LouiS, m. 1st, Maria Somers. Ch.: ""Aleta, b. 1808, m. Smith Clark; 
m. 2nd, Lorinda, daughter of Jesse Baldwin. Ch.: '•^ Albert L., m. Delia 
Y'oungs; * "George W., ^^Ann Maria, m. Edwin Hyde of New Haven; 

^2Mary, m. Thomas Cypher of New York ; 5 3i^;(iiti,a^^ ui. Allen, of 

New Haven : * '^Charles. 



158 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

BEACH. 

1 Samuel Beach, who came to New Haven from England, married first, 
Miss Sanford, second. Miss Potter. 

^Benjamin, only son of Samuel, m. Miss Blacklej^ and had three sons, 
of whom Benjamin, 2d, the first settled preacher in what is now Seymour, 
was one. 

^Benjamin. Children: ''G-iles, died in North Haven at the age of 82 ; 
^Lydia; ^Titus, who built the first mill where Sharon Y. Beach's papermilt 
now stands, d. in Clymer, Chatauque Co., N. Y. ; ''Mercy ; ^Joel; ^David, 
d. in Oxford; logij^^eon; Benjamin, 2d, died in Cornw^all at the age of 79 
years. 

^GiLES, m. Mary Dayton. Children: ^^Bedy, b. April 1, 1790, m. 
Samuel Hemingway of Montowese ; ^^Joggph j^ ^ j^^ Julia Curtiss ; ^^Ben- 
jarain H. ; Abram, m. Rhoda Dorothy, lived in Fair Haven; ^^Ancy, b. 
June 1, 1805, m. George Minor of Montowese; ^^Sharou Y, Beach, b. May 
21, 1809. 

1^ Sharon Y. Beach^, has been engaged in the manufacture of paper in 
this place for nearly forty years, (see page 120,) and has been a zealous advo- 
cate of the temperance reform. During the existence of the Baptist church 
of Seymour, he was one of its most efficient supporters. He was one of the 
first in Seymour to move in calling public meetings in aid and support of the 
government at the breaking out of the rebellion, contributing liberally of his 
time and means, and when Company H. of the 20th C. V. was being organ- 
ized he offered an additional bounty of $10 for each man who should enlist 
in the quota of Seymour, and when the company was completed he went to the 
camp and gave the sum promised to each man from Seymour, to the amount 
of $270. He was one of the selectmen of the town in 1852 and 1870, justice 
of the peace a number of years, one of the school visitors of Seymour five 
years, and a member of the Board of Education most of the time since the 
consolidation of the districts in 1868. He married Adaline Sperry, Oct. 1, 
1832. Children : 

i^George W. Beach, born in 1833. In 1850 he entered service of the 
Naugatuck Railroad Company as clerk at Seymour, and also filling any i)lace 
upon the road as called upon. This position he filled with success, familiarizing 
himself with the details of the business and the methods of railroad work. 
In 1851 he was placed in the office at VVaterbury as second clerk, but was fre- 
quently sent to various stations on the road, thus becoming acquainted all 
along the line. In 1855 he was appointed agent at Naugatuck, and in 1857 
he was called upon to act as conductor of a passenger train, taking charge of 
the general ticket agency. In 1861 he became agent at Y7aterbury, and in 
1868 succeeded Charles Waterbury as superintendent of the road, which office 
he has since held, and in which he has become generally and favorably 
known throughout the Naugatuck valley. He is a deacon of the First 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 159 

Congregational church in Waterbury, superintendent of its Sunday school, 
and was one of the delegates to the con\eution in New Y'ork which organized 
the Christian Commission tor the relief of soldiers during the War of the Re- 
bellion. He represented Waterbury in the legislature in 1870 and 1871. 

1^ Andrew \". Beach, for some years general ticket agent of the Nau- 
gatuck Railroad, and now general freight agent of the Consolidated Railroad 
at Springiiekl, Mass. ; m. Mary Woodford. 

i*^E:meline E. 

i^Sharon D. Beacpi, paper manufacturer, Seymour, m. Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Stephen R. Rider. 

2 "Theodore B. Beach, ticket agent of the Naugatuck Railroad at Waterbury. 

Richard Beach' was one of the eariy settlers of New Haven, and mar- 
the widow of Andrew Hull about IGIO. Children : Mary, b. June, 104L' ; 
Benjamin, b. Oct. IGll ; Azariah, b. July, 1G4G ; Mercy, 1G48. 

AzARiAH,^ settled in Killingworth. Children : Richard, b. Oct. 19, 1077; 
Thomas, b. Oct. 5, 1079 ; Benjamin, b. Jan. 14, 1082. 

Ben.jamin,^ m. Dinah Birdsey of Stratford. Children : Joseph, b. Oct. 
24, 1710; Abel, b. Feb. 9, 1712. 

Joseph,* m. Experience , lived in Durham and Torrington, 

Children: Miriam, b. Dec.."), 1734; Hannah, b. May 17, 1730; Fhebe, 
b. April 4, 1738 ; Benjamin, b. March 25, 1740 ; Experience, b. Sept. 10, 
1744 ; Dinah, b. Nov. 2, 1751 ; Joseph, b. July 2(5, 1753. 

Jesse Beach, Esq., of Derby, m. Sally Wheeler, July 30, 1792. 
Children ; Lucy Mariah, b. Feb. 23, 1794 ; Sally Keziah, b. Sept. 9, 1796. 
(D. R.^""^, p. 210.) Jesse Beach was chosen moderator of the town meeting, 
Dec. 11. 1S09. 

DURAND. 

Three Huguenot brothers came over from France and settled — one in Mil- 
ford, one in Derby, and one in Oxford. 

2, Joseph,- of Derby, d. Aug. 0, 1792. aged 81. Anna, wife of Joseph, 
d. Feb. 14, 1788, aged 04. 

4, Nehemiah,^ son of John, of Oxford, b. Dec. 8, 1753. d. Aug. 10, 1824 ; 
m. Ruth Jones, b. Dec. 9, 1758, d. .May 25, 1810. ^ hildren : 
0, Hannah, b. May 12, 1789, d. Nov. 18, 1818. 

7, Polly, b. 1791, m. Isaac Kinney, d. Sept. 23, 1827. 

8, John, b. 1796, d. Oct. 3, 1819. 

10, Jeremiah, b. March 22, 1800. 

10, Jeremiah,^ m. Betsey Maria Kenney, Dec. 25, 1827. Children : 

11, Mary Elizabeth, b. Nov. 2, 1828, m. Edwin A. Lum, of Waterbury. 

12, Maria A., b. Feb. 22, 1831, d. Aug. 29, 1848. 

13, Charles William, b. Oct 2, 1834, in. Maria Hill of Oberlin, Ohio. 
Mercy, daughter of Noah and Damaris Durand, d. May 8, 1748. — D. R., 

vol. 0, p. 2. 



160 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

HOLBROOK. 

John/ m. Abigail. 

JoHN.^ 111. Nichols, (laughter of Rev. Mr. Nichols of Newtown. Chil- 
dren : ^Philo, "^Abel, ^Richard, ^Nathaniel, ^Austin. They were all in the 
Revolutionary war. Philo was at l^anbury when General Wooster was 
killed. Nathaniel served through the whole of the war, and was present at 
the surrender of General Burgoyne. He brought home a musket, through the 
breech of which a ball fi-oui a " King's arm " passed at Saratoga, as he raised 
it to his shoulder to take aim. He had sons named ^ ''Daniel*, ^^ Cyrus*. 
John^ had a negro slave named Titus, who wished to go and fight for the in- 
dependence of the colonies, but as the sons were all gone, John told him that if 
he would stay and help him till the war was over he would then give him his 
freedom and a tract of land. He did so, and the road which passed the land 
which was given to him is still known as Titus' lane. 

^Philo^ ni. Eleanor Wooster, daughter of Squire John Wooster. Chil- 
dren: i^Abijah, i^Sarah, i^Eunice, i^Sabra, m. 1st, Ebenezer Riggs, 2d, 
Curtiss Lindley. 

1'*Abijah,'* m. Sarah Webster. Children: i^Thomas W. and -"Sarah. 

'Richard,^ m. 1st, Mrs. Sarah Luin, Sept. 13, 1707, d. >ov. 21, 1798, 
2d, Gracey Hawkins, Oct. G, 1799. Children: 25 Daniel Lum, b. Nov. 21, 
1798; 2 6Sarah, b. July 31, 1800; sTphi^ b. March 12, 1802; 28 Austin, 
Jan. 21, 1804 ; 2 9i>ichard, Nov. 19, 1805. D. li.^"'^i^. 230. 

s^Capt. John Holbrook died Jan. 28, 1801, aged 74. Esther, his 
wife, died Feb. 5, 1795, aged 63. 

3^ John Holbrook, Jr., m. Huldah Fox, July 7, 1774. Huldah died 
April 1,1796. Children: a^Hannah, b. Jan. 6, 1775 ; ^ 7 John, b. April 29, 
1777; 3 8Beiijamin, b. Oct. 26, 1780; ^oDavid, Dec. 27, 1782; 4o;Nabby, 
b. Jan. 24, 1785 ; ^igally, b. June 9, 1787, d. May 27, 1788. D. R.^^'^ p. 230. 

^Capt Abel,^ m. Hannah Clark, of Oxford. Children : ^a'T^^.omas G. ; 
43Patty, ni. Joseph Piatt of Southbury ; ^^Sir William, ^sHa^^naii, ^^Abel, 
4 7 Esther. 

4 6ABBL* in. Olive Pierce of Southbury. Children: ^ ^Nathan, m. Ellen, 
daughter of William R. Tomlinson ; ^^Esther, m. Lawrence Mitchell cf New- 
town. 

2 7CAPT. Philo Holbrook*, who died Nov. 17, 1878, was for some years 
in command of a vessel sailing between New Haven and the West Indies. 
He became a member of Morning Star Lodge, F. and A. M., Oct. 10, 1826, 
was one of the original stockholders of the Seymour Savings Bank in 1852, 
justice of the peace from 1852 to 1858, one of the selectmen of the town of 
Seymour in 1855 and in 1865, and represented the town in the legislature in 
1869. He was held in high respect by his fellow townsmen, who had so often 
called upon him to fill offices of trust and honor. 

^2Thomas C.*, m. Maria Benham. Children: ^ '•William E., ^^ Charles 
F., 5 2Noyes B. 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 161 

6 1 Col. Daniel Holhrook^, son of « "Daniel', m. Hitchcock, 

built pliice now occupied by Joel Chatfiekl for his oldest son. Children : 
fi 2 Daniel, e^David, '5 4Josiah, esAbel. 

6 2CAPT. Daniel^ ni. Elizabeth M. Ri^gs. Children : ^e Daniel, «'' Harry, 
•'^Samuel. 

eeDANiEL-*, ni. Harriett, (b. 1798), daughter of Moses Riggs. Served in 
the company of Capt. Abraham Huljbard, Conn. Militia, in the war of 1812. 
Children : 

enVillis, b. Aug. 19, 1818, m. M. Maria Smith, 
7 Horace, b. Jan. 18, 1821, m. Mary A., daughter of Styles Tucker. 
7 » David, b. June; 24, 1826, m. Cynthia Smith! 
'2 Eliza, b. May 16, 1829, m. Clement A. Sargent. 
6 'Harry, son of Capt. Daniel'', m. Nancy Davis. Children : ' » Nancy M., 
'"Mary. 



WHEELER. 

iJlMES Wheeler, m. Sarah Johnson, May 19th, 1736. Children : — 
^Sarah, b. Dec. 27, 1737, d. March 31, 1764; ^Samuel, b. Sept. 24, 1739; 
^Simeon, b. Apr. 15, 1741 ; ^Ruth, May 20, 1743, d. Sept. 1, 1764 ; «James, 
b. Apr. 6, 1745 ; 'a daughter b. March 1, 1747, d. in infancy ; "Joseph, b. 
May 14,1748; ^Moses, b. July 28, 1750 ; '"Anna, b. Aug. 10, 1752 ; "David, 
b. May 14, 1754; '^John, b. June 2, 1756; '^'Elijah, b. Dec. 22, 1758; 
'^Hannah, b. May 25, 17G1; '•'^Sarah, b. Apr. 15, 1764. Maraes, Sen., d. in 
May, 1768, aged 52 years. Sarah, his wife, d. in Sei)t., 1812, aged 92 years. 
Mrs. Lois Wheeler, the mother of James Wheeler, died Sept. 11, 1767, aged 
87 years. 

'^JoHN Wheeler, m. Sybil Todd. Child :— '"John Todd, b. in 1777. 

'"John Todd Wheeler, m. Sally Clark, who died in 1824, leaving 
an only child, "John Clark Wheeler. 

"John C. Wheeler, m. Charlotte Chatfield, who died in 1831. Chil- 
dren : '"Henry, '^Frances, '^"John, '^'Sarah. 

Children of ^''Jolin G. and Charlotte Wheeler. 

'"Henry, m. Nancy Hotchkiss. Children : — ^'^Charlotte, "Frances, '^^Mary, 
^■^Henry, ^GElizabeth, d. aged two and a half years; '^"^ John, d. aged eight 
years. 

'^Frances, m. O. C. Putnam. Children : ^"Flora, ^''Linda, ^"Frank. 



162 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

^JoHN, m. Alice Stanbury of N. Y. Children: — ^^ Josephine, ^^Alice, 
33Elizabeth, ^^Marie. 

21SARAH, m. Charles B. Converse. Children : — ^-^Charles, ^"^Alraira, 
^-^ Alfred. 

Children of ^^Henry and Nancy Wheeler. 

^^Chaelotte, m. Charles L. Lockwood. Children : — ^^Fanny, ^^Louise, 
^oBessie, «Maraie, ^^Flora. 

^^Frances, m. George W. Ely. Children : — ''^Henry, ^'Leonard, "^-^Agnes. 

24MARY, m. William E. Lowe. Children :— ""^Gerald, ^^Henry, ^''Charlotte. 

^^Henry, nnmarried. 

Children of ^^ Frances and O. C. Putnam. 

28FLORA, m. V. S. Woodruff. Child : — ^^Frances. 

29LINDA, ra. V. S. Woodruff. 

^"Frank, died aged nine years. 

Children of ^^John and Alice Wheeler. 

^^ Josephine, d. in 1853, aged 2 years and 3 months. 

32 Alice, m. O. M. Bogart, Jr. Child :—^» Alice. 

^^Elizabeth, unmarried. 

•'''Marie, d. in 1876, aged 12 years. 

Children of "Sarah and Charles E. Converse. 
35CHARLES, m. Addie Shultz. Child :— ^^Sally. 
^^Almira, m, George Claflin. Child : — ^^3(i\m. 
3^ Alfred, unmarried. 



John Todd Wheeler, who died in 1868, aged 91, was an old resident 
of the town of Seymour, and was born in the northern part of the old town of 
Derby, then called ISTyumphs, now Beacon Falls. His father, John Wheeler, 
removing to the then great west, left him then a babe with his grand-parents 
Todd, who lived at Derby Landing, who brought him up until their death, 
which left him to be hired out until he was of age. At twenty he purchased 
his time and married Sally Clark of Woodbridge and settled in Humphreys- 
ville, now the town of Seymour, following the vocation of a merchant until 
within a few years of his death, being one of the town's most energetic and 
best citizens. His only child, a son, John C. Wheeler, at an early age 
entered into business with him, was a merchant and manufacturer of augers 
and paper for many years, until he removed to the city of New York, where 
he now lives, aged 82. He had six children by Charlotte Chatfield, his wife, 
four of whom are still living ; the eldest, Henry, now a resident of Seymour, 
and John, Francis and Sarah all living in the city of New York. 

John Wheeler, youngest son of John Todd Wheeler, born in Hum - 
phreysville in 1823, removed to New York in 1813, early in life took much inter- 
est in public affairs as a democrat, in 1852, at the age of 27, was elected to 






<^ 



HON. JOHN WHEHLEK. 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 163 

Congress from Now York City, and took an active part in the exciting times upon 
the question of tlio Repeal of the "Missouri Compromise," otherwise called the 
"Kansas and Nebraska bill," in the 33d Congress. Upon its being made a 
party question, admitting slavery north of Missouri, he, with a few other 
democrats, took bold and open ground against it, and was the only member 
from the city of New York (of six democrats) who voted against the bill. 
He was re-elected to the 34th Congress — was renominated by the democracy 
in 1856 for the 35th Congress, but declined ; was a war democrat when 
it required nerve so to be, was a strong opponent of the Tweed Ring, 
going out of Tammany Hall and joining with the honest portion of the 
democracy and other citizens for their overthrow. He was one of the most 
active of the famous Committee of Seventy which o\'erthrew that infamous 
ring, was one of the leaders in the movement which elected William 
H. Havemeyer mayor, and one of the men who obtained from the Leg- 
islature at Albany the Charter of 1873. On the passage of that Charter, 
Mayor Havemeyer appointed him President of the Department of Taxes 
and Assessments, one of the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, and 
a Commissioner of Accounts, which positions he has held from May, 1873, 
for over six years, doing his utmost for a reduction of the expenses and taxes 
of the city. He was prominently named among the candidates by the 
regular democracy and independent citizens in 1878, for Mayor, but declined 
to enter the contest. 

The following extract from the N. Y. Tribune of May 19th, 1879, will 
show the estimation in which Mr. W. is held in New York. Referring to 
his appointment by the General Assembly of the State of New York as a 
member of the Commission to Revise the Tax Laws, the Tribune said : — 
"Mr. Wheeler is well and most favorably known for his administration of 
the Tax Office, and it is to bun that the people of this city will chiefly look 
perhaps for such a reasonable and prudent re-adjustment of the tax system as 
will divide the burden fairly among all classes of property." 

Mr. Wheeler is a modest, unassuming man, an Episcopalian, having been 
Vestryman and Senior Warden of the Anthon Memorial Church for many 
years, and Superintendent of the Sunday School of said church for twelve 
years. 

^Simeon Wheeler, m. Sarah, ^daughter of Capt. Timothy Baldwin. 
Children :— ^^Ruth, b. Sept. 17, 1765,* m. Dea. Bradford Steele, d. Feb. 20, 
1856 ; ^^Nathan, m. Experience Washburn ; '^^Timothy, ^'^Sarah, m. Eli San- 
ford, d. May 23, 1820, aged 80; ^'David, d. Dec. 21, 1829, aged 53, un- 
married. 

"Joseph Wheeler, m. Lucy . Children : — ^"Sally, b. Oct. 2, 

1774, m. Jesse Beach July 30, 1792 ; '^nVilliam, b. Apr. 3, 1779 ; ""Nancy, 
b. Mar. 1, 1782 ; ^iwhittelsey, b. Sept. 19, 1784; "^Joseph, b. Aug. 11, 
1787 ; «3polly, b. May 19, 1791.— (D. R.,"""! p. 212. 



164 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

upso:^r. 

^Thomas Upson was a resident of Hartford in 1638, and afterward an 
original settler and proprietor of Farmington. He married Elizabeth Fuller 
in 1646 and died July 20, 1655. Children :— ^Thomas, ^Stephen, "Mary, 
^Hannah, ''Elizabeth. 

^Stepiien,'^ of Waterbury, m. Mary Lee, Dec. 29, 1682, and died in 1735, 
aged 85. Children :— ^Mary, ^Stephen, ^Elizabeth, ^"Thomas, b. Mar. 1, 1691, 
I'Hannah, I'^Tabitha, "John, "Thankful. 

i"Thomas,^ of Wolcott, in. Rachel Judd, May 28, 1749. Children :— 
i^Thonias, i^Mary, i^John, i«Josiah, '"Asa, ^oTimothy, ^lAmos, ^^Sanmel, b. 
Mar, 8, 1737, ^^Freenian. 

Capt. 22SAMUEL,* of Wolcott, m. Ruth Cowles, Apr. 5, 1759, d. Feb. 25, 
1816, aged 79. Children :— ^"Mary, ^5 Archibald, ^eigaac, ^^Obed, b. Jan. 2, 
1767 ; 2«Haryey, ^aSamuel, ^oRuth, ^iJerusha, ^^Manly, ^sBetsey. 

2 7 0bed,^ b. in Wolcott, m. Sybil Howe and lived in Waterbury. 
Children:— ^"Laura, •^•^Hiram, ^sMaria, -"Lena, ^sQarry, ^sLuther, "oisabel, 
"lEunice, •* 2 Caroline, ""Charlotte. 

3 5 Hiram", m. Sarah Harrison. Children : 
4 < Harriett, m. Harpin Riggs of Seymour. 
^^Charles N., of Waterbury, m. Juliette Warner. 
4 "5 William A., lives in Kensington, m. Sarah Terrill. 
■*^ Martha Maria, m. James Smith of Derby. 
4 8 Hiram, Jr., killed in the war of the rebellion. 

4 9George F., lives in Springfield. 
soEdwin Leroy, d. aged 2^ years. 

5 i Sarah, m. George W. Beach of Waterbury. 
5 2 Henry H., d. aged 17 years. 

5 3 Esther P., m. Leroy Upson. 



ELLIS. 



Rev. Thomas EllIs was born in Martyn, Flintshire, North Wales, Jan. 
1, 1800. He emigrated to America Apr. 1, 1824, settled in Humphreysville 
and married Charlotte Clinton, Apr. 19, 1829. He joined the M. E. church 
in 1829 and in 1833 received a license as local preacher. He joined the 
New York conference in 1839 and became an efficient minister of the gospel. 
His children were— Mary J., m. William S. Eno of Pine Plains, N. Y. ; 
Adam C. and Matthew H., lawyers of New York, all born in Humphreys- 
ville. Rev. Ml — - - 
died at Hyde Park, N. Y., June 8, 1860, aged 51 years. 




ABIRAM STODDAKI), M. 1). 




The Coat of Amies of the Antient Family of Stoddard, of London. 
8a. 3, Estoiles and a bordure gu, Crest out a ducal coronet a demihorse 
salient, erm. 

Motto : — Festina Lente. Be in haste, but not in a hurry. 



Tlie name Stoddard is derived from the office of Standard-Bearer, and was 
anciently written De-La-Standard. 



In the office of Heraldry, England, the following origin of the Stoddard 
Family is found : 

William Stoddard, a knight, came from Kormandy to England, A. D., 
106G, with William the Conqueror, who was his cousin. Of his descendants, 
we find record of KuKAiiD Stoddard, of Mottingham, Kent, near Eltham, 
about seven miles from London Bridge, where was located the family estate 
of about four hundred acres, which was in possession of the family in 1490, 
how -much before is not known, and continued till the death of Nicholas 
Stoddard, a bachelor, in 1705. 

Thomas Stoddard, of Royston. 

John Stoddard, of Grindon. 

William Stoddard, of Royston. 

John Stoddard, of Royston. 

ANTHONt Stoddard, of Loudon. 

Gideon Stoddard, of London. 

Anthony Stoddard, of Loudon. 

William Stoddard, of lioudon. 

Anthony Stoddard, of London. 



IGG HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

'Anthony Stoddard came from England to Boston about 1G39. He 
was admitted Freeman in 1640, was a representative in 1650, 1659, 1660, and 
during twenty successive years from 1665 to 1684. He married first, Mary, 
daughter of Hon. Emanuel Downing of Salem, who, with Lucy his wife, 
was admitted to the church in Salem Nov. 4th, 1638, and sister of Sir 
George, afterward Lord George Downing, by whom he had three sons : 
^Solomon, b. Oct. 4, 1643, d. Feb. 11, 1729. 
^Samson, b. Dec. 3, 1645, d. Nov. 4, 1698. 

■*Simeon, b. 1650, d. Oct. 15, 1730. Simeon was member of an artillery 
company in 1675. He had three sons : Anthony, b. Sept. 24, 1678, 
d. Mar. 11, 1748; David, b. Dec. 5, 1685; Jonathan, b. Feb. 5, 1688. 
He married second, Barbara, widow of Capt. Joseph Weld of Roxbury, 
who died April 15, 1654, by whom he had two children : 
•'Sarah, b. Oct. 21, 1652. 
•^Stephen, b. Jan. 6, 1654. 
He married third. Christian (about 1655), whose family name is unknown, 
by whom he had ten children, as follows : 
"Anthony, b. June 16, 1656. 
"Christian, b. Mar. 22, 1657, m. Nathaniel Peirse. 
^Lydia, b. May 27, 1660, m. Capt. Samuel Turell. 
"•Joseph, b. Dec. 1, 1661. 
11 John, b. April 22, 1663. 
"Ebeuezer, b. July 1, 1664. 
i^Dorothy, b. Nov. 24, 1665. 
I'lMary, b. Mar. 25, 1668. 
i^Jane, and Grace, b. July 29, 1669. 
Anthony Stoddard, Sr., d. Mar. 16, 168?. 

^Solomon, graduated at Harvard in 1662 and was librarian of the college 
from 1667 to 1670, preached two years in Barbadoes to the dissenters, and in 
1672 became the settled minister of Northampton, Mass. He married Mrs. 
Esther Mather, Mar. 8, 1680. Children : 

i^Mary, b. Jan. 9, 1761, m. Rev. Stephen Mix, who graduated at Har- 
vard in 1690. 
i^Esther, b. June 2, 1672, m. Nov. 6, 1694, Rev. Timothy Edwards, who 
graduated at Harvard in 1691. Their fifth child, Johnathan, b. Oct- 
5 1703, graduated at Yale in 1720, elected president of Nassau Hall 
College in 1757, and became president of Princeton College in Jan., 
1758, in which position he continued until his death. 
i«Samuel, b. Feb. 5, 1674, d. Mar. 22, 1674. 
i^Anthony, b. June 6, 1675, d. June 7, 1675. 
^" Aaron, b. Aug. 23, 1676, d. Aug. 23, 1676. 

2iChristain, b. Aug. 23, 1676, m. Rev.William Williams, who graduated at 
Harvard in 1683, and was settled as minister in Hatfield (JO years. 




>A^////'//y / / 



JOSEPH NETTLETON STODDARD. 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 167 

22 Anthony, b. Aug. 9, 1GJ)8, d. Sept. C, 17G0. 

"Sarah, b. Apr. 1, 1G80, ni. Rev. Samuel Whitman, who graduated at 

Harvard in 1G9G and settled as minister in Farmington. 
^••John, b. Feb. 17, 1G82, graduated at Harvard in 1701, for many years 

one of the Governor's council, also Chief-Justice of the Court of 

Common Pleas, Judge of Probate, &c. 
^^Israel, b. Apr. 10, 1G84, d. a prisoner in France. 
^"Rebecca, b. 168G, m. Joseph Ilawley, d. January, 17GG. 
^'Hannah, b. Apr, 21, 1G88, m. Rev. William W^illiams, who graduated 

at Harvard in 1705 and settled as minister in Weston, iVIass. 
^'^Anthony^ graduated at Harvard in 1G97 and settled as minister in 
Woodbury, where he continued sixty years, ra. first, Oct. 20, 1700, Prudence 
Wells, who died in May, 1714 ; second, Jan. 31, 1715, Mary Sherman, who 
died Jan. 12, 1720. Children : 
^»Mary, b. June 19, 1702. 
^^Solomon, b. Oct. 12, 1703, d. May 13, 1727. 
■^"Eliakim, b. Apr. 3, 1705, m. Joanna Curtiss, d, in 1750. 
3iElisha, b. Nov. 24, 170G, m. Rebekah Sherman, resided in Woodbury 

d. in 17G6. ' 

32Israel, b. Aug. 7, 1708, d. May 30, 1727. 
33 John, b. Mar. 2, 1710. 

3^Prudence, b. Oct. 12, 1711, m. Joseph Curtiss. 
^•'Gideon, b. May 27, 1714, m. Olive Curtiss. 
^''Esther, b. Oct. 11, 171G, m. Preserved Strong. 
'^^Abijah, b. Feb. 28, 1718, m. Eunice Curtiss. 
■■'"Elizabeth, b. Nov. 15, 1719, m. Daniel Munn. 
^"Eliakim^, m. Joanna Curtiss in 1729, resided in Woodbury. Children : 
33John, b. Jan. 26, 1730, d. Jan. 22, 1795. 
^"Israel, b. Jan. 28, 1732, m. Elizabeth Reade, d. Aug. 8, 1794. 
"Anthony, b. Oct. 21, 1734, m. Phebe Reade, d. in 1785. 
''^Joanna, b. July IG, 1738, m. Reuben S<iuarcs. 
^'Prudence, b. Sept. 24, 1740, m. John Marchant. 
• "Eliakim, b. July 25, 1742, d. in childhood. 
"^^Seth, b. Dec. 2, 1744, m. Hannah Noyes. 

■"^Abigail, b. Aug. 2, 1747, m. Israel Woodward, d. Dec. 18, 1703. 
■•■^Eliakim, b. Dec. 11, 1749, a. in Canada. 
3^ John', m. Mary Atwood, resided in Watertown. Children : 
^«Samson, b. Oct. 25, 1752, d. Nov. 11, 1809. 

^''Abiram, b. Oct. 25, 175(), d. Oct. 25, 177G, in the revolutionary army. 
^nVells, b. July 1, 1759, m. Sarah Ilickox, d. in 1840. 
'^iPhebe, b. Feb. 19, 17G0, m. Josiah Ilickox, d. Sept. 25, 1827. 
'^John, b. July 1, 17G3, m. Saraii Woodward, d. Feb. 24, 1821. 
^^Submit, b. Mar. 17, 17GG, d. Sept. 7, 1775. 



1G8 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

•'4 Joanna, b. Feb. 19, 17G7, ra. Eri Parker, d. June 5, 1847. 

^^Mary, b. June 11, 1771, ra. Randall Judd of Woodbury, d. in 1845. 

■'fiSarali, b. May 13, 1773, m. James Williams, d. Dec. 20, 1809. 

•'^'Israel, b. Feb. 15, 1776, m. Polly Wilson, lived in Camden, N. Y., was 
Supervisor nineteen years. Justice of the Peace twelve years, member 
of Assembly four years, and County Judge eight years, d. Apr. 4, 1859. 

^'^'Eliakim, b. Aug. 10, 1779, m. Lois Matthews, d. Feb. 28, 1860, was a 
Methodist minister. 
^"Samson*', m. first, Susannah Nettleton, who died Apr. 24, 1779 ; second, 
Amy Goodwin, who died Sept. 16, 1827, whose ancestors came in the May- 
flower. He resided at Watertown, Ct. Children : 

'^^Prudence, b. Aug. 11, 1775, m. James Atwood of Woodbury, d. 
Feb. 19, 1833. 

w'Abiram, b. Jan. 27, 1777, d. Nov. 26, 1855. 

'''Susannah, b. Mar. 26, 1779, m. Wheler Atwood of Woodbury, d. 
June 15, 1833. 

•^^William, b. Sept. 29, 1781, graduated at Yale in 1804, m. a Miss 
Stone, was a physician, died in Mobile, Ala., in 1817. 

'^■'Goodwin, b. May 8, 1783, m. Ann Warner, was a Methodist preacher 
and Presiding Elder in Oneida Conference. 

*'*Harvey, b. Apr. 14, 1785, m. Selima Martin, residence, Waverly, 111. 

•^•'Anna, b. Aug. 17, 1788, m. William Tolls, d. Sept. 24, 1846. 

«6Samuel, b. Aug. 6, 1791, ra. Phebe Minor, d. Aug. 4, 1828. 
^^Abiram''^, graduated at Yale in 1800, m. Eunice Clark and settled in 
Humphreysville as physician. He was representative from Oxford in the 
General Assembly in 1814 and held offices of public trust in Derby for 
many years. He was a man of large intelligence and great energy and en- 
durance. Children : 

«9Theresa, b. Jan. 26, 1806, d. in 1814. 

™Jonatlian, b. Oct. 9, 1807, graduated at Yale College in 1831, was a 
lawyer, and successfully followed his profession for many years in New 
Haven, Conn., was appointed U. S. District Attorney for the District 
of Connecticut by President Polk in the year 1845, which office he 
held four years ; was appointed District Attorney for the county of 
New Haven, 1853, "and continued in said office till July 20, 1854 ; 
d. April 28, 1855. 

^'Susan H., b. Aug. 3, 1809, m. Sheldon C. Johnson, M. D., of Seymour. 

^^Thomas, b. Mar. 11, 1813, m. Esther Ann Gilbert. 

"Joseph Nettleton, b. Nov. 12, 1815, d. Nov. 28, 1859. 

'^William, b. Jan. 6, 1818, studied law in New Haven, where he con- 
tinued to reside till the time of his death, gained many friends by his 
genial and social manners, and earned the reputation of a thorough 
scholar and an able advocate, d. in New Haven, Ct,, Mar. 16, 1858, 





'^^%i^^\^5fH^ ^ 1^^^^^^'^^ 



MAlfiA THERESA STODDARD. 



GENEALOGY. ICtt 

'^Maria Theresa, youngest daugliter of Abirain and Eunice Stoddard, 1». 
June 2, 1825, went to iMaryland during the War of the Rebellion, to 
aid in caring for the sick and wounded soldiers, contributing liberally 
of her ample means for their comfort and for the alleviation of their 
sufterings. 



"Thomas, son of Abiram and Eunice Stoddard, graduated at Yale Medi- 
cal School in 183(>, m. Apr. 19, 1839, Esther Ann Gilbert, b. July 31, 1819. 
Children : 

■•^Francis Eunice, born Jan. 13, 1810, married Nov. 30, 1861, Samuel 
L. Bronson, born Jan, 12, 1834, graduated at Yale, 1855 ; at the 
Law School, 1857; was Judge of the New Haven City Court and 
afterward Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for several years ; 
now practicing law at New Haven. 

CMldreu : (77) Thomas Stoddard, (78) Josiah Harniai-, (79) Mary Esther, (80) Sarah Frances, 
(81) Ezekiel Stoddard. 

«^Sarah G., b. Apr. 6, 1812. 

^■^Ezekiel, b. Nov. 14, 1844, wholesale merchant in New Ilaven and a 

director of New Haven County National Bank ; m. Mary De Forest 

Bm-lock. 

Children : (84) Thomas Biirlock, (8.")) Esther Ann, (8(i) Mary, (.^7) Lonis Ezekiel. 



"^Joseph Nettleton, son of Abiram and Eunice Stoddard, m. Dec. 10, 
1838, Sophia Buddington, b. June 2, 1818, resides in Westville. Children : 
88William B., b. Sept. 27, 1839. Resides in Westville. 
89Henry, b. Mar. 22, 1843. Studied law in Albany Law School. 
^''Sophia Theresa, b. Mar. 9, 1845. 
^'Goodwin, b. Apr. 2, 1847. 
92Robert J., b. Aug. 2, 1855. 
«\Toseph E., b. Feb. 13, 1859. 



SAMUEL HICKOX. 

Samuel Hickox, of Waterbury, appears to have previously resided at 
Farmington, died in 1G93. Children, with ages in 1(594 : 

SamueP«, Hannah^^, William'^-', Thomas^", Joseph'", m. Ruth Fairchild 
Nov. 3, 1697, and settled in Woodbury; ]\Iary'^, Elizabeth'', Stephen", Ben- 
jamin^, m. Hannah Skeel and settled in Woodbury ; Ebenezer'^ The sons 
spelled the name Hickcock. 



170 HISTORY OP SEYMOUR. 

Reynolds Hickox of Torrington, ra. Oct. 8, 1770 ; d. Sept. 13, 1828. 
His wife d. Sept. 18, 1832. Children : 

Randall, b. Oct. 15, 1786 ; d. May 8, 1836. 

Olive, b. Mar. 10, 1782 ; m. Sheldon Morris of Middlebury; d. in May, 1845- 

Samuel R., b. in Torrington, Jan. 12, 1790 ; d. Mar. 14, 1861. 

Rev. Samuel R., a local preacher, son of Reynolds Hickox, removed from 
Torrington to Waterbury, then to Southbury, and in 1828 to Seymour. He 
married Sarah Osborn, who was born Mar. 28, 1789, and died Jan. 26, 1868. 
Children : 

Harriett, b. Sept. 19, 1810, m. John Wesley French, d. Oct. 16, 1837. 

Samuel, b. Feb. 20, 1814 ; m. 1st, Elizabeth Spencer Jan. 6, 1839 ; who 
d. Dec. 9, 1841, aged 26, leaving one child, Harriett E.; m. 2nd, Eliza M^ 
White, Nov. 9, 18.54. 

Col. John Davis, son of Joseph and Mary Davis of Oxford, b. Feb. 
2, 174|, m. Apr. 10, 1782, Mehitable, daughter of Reuben Thomas of New 
Haven. Children : 

Sarah, b. Mar. 31, 1783, d. Dec. 6, 1808. 

Anson, b. Sept, 5, 1785, m. Sally Prudden of Milford. 

Truman, b. Mar. 13, 1787, m. Mary Allen of Woodbridge. 

John, b. Sept. 8, 1788, m. Laura Riggs, Oct. 16, 1813, d. Aug. 8, 1848. 

Lucretia, b. Sept. 22, 1790, m. Samuel Mallory and went west. 

Mary, b. May 28, 1792, m. Abijah Hyde of Oxford. 

Chary, b. Feb. 8, 1794, m. Peter Prudden of Milford. 

Nabby, b. Dec. 21, 1795, m. Harvey Osborne of Oxford. 

Nancy, b. Dec. 21, 1795, m. Cyrus Humphrey of Oxford, d. Aug. 25, 1826. 

Children : — Bernard, ni. Sarah, dau. of Denzel Hitchcock, d. in January, 1854. 
Nancy, m. G. Burton Robinson, d. in February, 1854. 

Joseph Wheeler, b. Aug. 13, 1798, m. Henrietta Newton of Woodbridge. 

Children :— Jonah N., m. Ba.ssett, moved we.st. 

Dewitt, a lawyer, residence Milwaukee, Wis. 
Joseph Burritt, d. Nov. 4, 1854. 

Sheldon, b. Sept. 3, 1800, d. May 30, 1813. 

Lewis, b. Jan. 26, 1803, m. Lucinda Perkins of Oxford. Children : 

Dr. Henry, of Wallingford, m. Beocher of Bethlehem. 

Mary, m. Charles W. Storrs of Seymour. 
Fi-ank, m. Lane of Oxfoi'd, 

Burritt, b. July 12, 1806, m. Sarah Electa, dau. of Hiram Osborn of 
Oxford. Children: 

Jay, m. Anna Faircliild; Sarah, m. Frederic Calde; and Bernard, aU living in Owego, N.Y. 

Julia Maria, b. July 4, 1810, in. Ebenezer Riggs of Oxford, d. Aug. 9,1844. 
Col. John Davis was born Sept. 27, 1755, d. Nov. 27, 1848, aged 93 years. 
His wife was born Apr. 12, 1764; d. Dec. 27, 1852, aged 88 years. 



UENEALOGY. 171 

Anson Davis, sou of Col. John Davis of Oxfonl, m. Sept. o, 1811, Sally, 
(laughter of Samuel Prudtlen of Milford. (Jliiklren : 

Sheldon, b. Jan. 1, 1813, m. Marietta, dau. of Abel Church. 

Sarah Ann, b. Mar. 10, 1815, ni. Luman Chapman. 

Anson Eiley, b. Mar. 30, 1818, m. Mary Newton Ailing. 

Marcus, b. Oct. 9, 1820, m. Sarah M. (xreene. 

Delia Maria, b. Oct. 25, 1822, m. John F. Coxhead of Ponghket-psie, 

d. in April, 1878. 
Harpin, b. Feb. 24, 1825, m. Mary Chatfield of Chestnut Tree Hill. 
Homer, b. Oct. 15, 1827, living in Nevada. 
Samuel Prudden, b. Sept. 1, 1831. 
Martha Ellen, b. July 11, 1834, principal of St. Catharine's Hall, 

Augusta, Me. 
Victoria Sophia, b. Sept. 21, 1837, m. John F. Coxhead. 



John Davis, Jr., son of Col. John Davis, m. Laura, daughter of John 
Eiggs ; d. Aug. 8, 1844. Mrs. Laura Davis d. Feb. 20, 1855. Children: 
John, m. Jennette, dau. of Lyman Wheeler, d. in 1872. Lived in Oxford. 
Isaac B., m. Ann, daughter of Sheldon Tucker. Lives in Hartford. 
Otis, d. in 1842. 
Wm. Hart, m. Frances Mallett. 



Capt. Truman Davis, son of Co). John Davis, m. 1st, Dec. 6, 1808, 
Mary, dau. of Roger Allen of Woodbridge, who died Feb. 13, 1832 ; 2nd, 
Mar. 18, 1832, Statira Ball of Bethany, who died Apr. 24, 1854 ; 3rd, Oct. 
24, 1854, Sophia Mallory of Milford. He died May 19, 1808, aged 81 years. 
Children : 

Emily, b. Aug. 19, 1810, m. Aug. 5, 1830, C. Lockwood Adams, d. Feb. 

2, 1854. C. L. Adams d. May 25, 1841. 
David Allen, b. July 29, 1812, d. Mar. 20, 1847. 
Clark, b. Mar. 31, 1815, m. Jan. 23, 1842, Mary A. Totfey of N. Y. 
Marietta, b. Aug. 22, 1817, m. May 6, 1838, Nathan W. Morgan of Pa., 

d. July 24, 1855. 
An infant, b. Sept. 25, 1819, d. Dec. 20, 1819. 
Emerette, b. Jan. 24, 1821, m. Jan. 10, 1841, Harrison Tomlinson, who 

died Nov. 25, 1855. 
John, b. Oct. 7, 1823, m. Oct. 13, 1847, Jennette G. Allen. 
Lydia Perkins, b. Feb. 15, 182G, m. Jan. 1, 1845, John II. Tomlinson, 

d. Nov. 2, 1852. 
Burr, b. Jan. 7, 1828, m. Mar. 31, 1850, Mary J. Mallett. 
Lucy, b. Feb. 19, 1830, m. Nov. 22, 1848, Hart C. Hubbell. 



Benjamin, son of Nathan and Eunice Davis, b. Mar. 20, 174(> 



172 HISTOEY OF SEYMOUR. 

HULL. 

Alfred Hull, a descendant of Joseph Hull, 3rd, the father of Gen. 
William Hull and grandfather of Commodore Isaac Hull, was born Oct. 25, 
1785, m. Oct. 21, 1806, Sally, daughter of Jonathan Lum. Children : 

John Clark, b. Jan. 25, 1808, m. July 25, 1830, Sarah Tomlinson. 

Eliza, b. Feb. 27, 1814, m. Amos Glover Bassett. 

Frances, m. Judge James G. Haswell of Hanlinsburgh, Ky.; Anua. 

Sarah, b. Oct. 21, 1820, m. Sept. 12, 1841, John J. Rider, d. Aug. 21, 
1864. Children: 

Harriett Elizabeth, b. Aug. 12, 1842. 

John Alfred, b. Apr. 12, 1844. 

Mary Bennett, b. Jan. 7, 1846. 

Ellen Frances, b. Mar. 17, 1847. 

Charles Augustus and Eliza. John J. Rider was born Jan. 20, 1820, died Jan. 7, 1871. 

William, b. July 7, 1825, m. Eliza, dau. of Amos Smith of Woodbridge. 
Residence, New Haven. 



John Clakk Hull, son of Alfred and Sally Hull, m. July 25, 1830, 
Sarah, dau. of David and Sarah Tomlinson, b. Dec. 5, 1814. Children : 
Mary, m. Egbert Coggswell of IS'ew Preston. 
Charles, m. 1st, Isora Taylor of Oregon, d. Jan. 27, 1868; 2nd, Lilly, 

dau. of Marcus Davis of Great Hill. Residence, Ansonia. 
De Witt, m. Juliette Brown of Harwinton. Residence, Seymour. 



B I^ o A r> ^v E L L . 

Lewis Beoadwell, a soldier of the War of 1812, m. Betsey, only 
daughter of Abiel and Mary Canfield, and made scythes with Ira Smith in 
a shop on the bank of Little river, opposite where the auger works of James 
Swan now stand, using the first triphammer ever set up in the place. He 
died Sept. 6, 1844, aged 53 years. Betsey d. March 10, 1821. Children : 

Luther, born in 1811, m. Twitchel of Oxford. Residence, Ohio. 

David B., b. in 1813, m. Catharine Schermerhorn, d. June 19, 1879. 

James, b. 1815, m. Margaret Skiene, removed to Ohio. 

Lewis, b. in 1817, m. Mary A. Lyon. 

Sarah, b. in 1819, d. in 1837, aged 18 years. 

Jacob, b. in 1821, m. Susan Henry, removed to Ohio, d. in 1871. 



Lewis'^, son of Lewis and Betsey Broadwell, m. Mary A. Lyon. Children: 
Homer, m. Ellen Clark of North Haven. Child : 

Alice May, born in 1867, died in 1868. 

Mary A. Residence, Fair Haven. 



THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 



In 1791, Rev. Jesse Lee, the pioneer of Methodism m New England, came 
to Derby, and — hiring a bellman to ring the people ont —he preached to them 
in the shade of some trees in what is now known as Derby Uptown, on the 
east side of the Xaugatuck, then deeper than now, and navigable to that 
p!a(5e. The seed then sown by the wayside has bronght forth an hundred 
fold. Among the hearers were John Coe and Ruth, his wife, who invited 
him to preach in their house on his next visit. This invitation he accepted 
a few weeks later, and extended his work to Clmsetown, by which name the 
settlement at the Falls of the Naugatuck was then known. From that time 
Derby was included in the circuit, which embraced nearly all of what now 
constitutes the New Haven an Bridgeport districts. 

In 1792, Middletown was made the In^ad of the circuit, which embraced a 
large part of Middlesex and New Haven counties. This section was no ex- 
ception to the general persecution of the new denomination, and from pulpit 
and fireside warnings were given against the innovators, but Lee and his co- 
laborers, like brave men of God as they were, continued to sow broadcast the 
seeds of truth. John and Ruth Coe, and Mr, and Mrs. llinman, were the 
first fruits of their labors here, and soon brought their infant sons for baptism 
at the hands of Rev. Jesse Lee. Mr. (Joe's son was baptised John Allyn, 
and Mr. Hiuman's son Jesse Lee. John A. Coe grew to manhood as an 
earnest, efficient Christian, and settled in what is now Beacon Falls, where 
one of his grandsons still resides, and is one of the most honored residents of 
that place, having been repeatedly (dected to tin; legislature and various offi- 
ces of trust in the town. 

The first society in Derby was formed in 179-'?, with .loiin Coe as leader, and 
was visited by the venerable Bishop Asbury. Those of the members who 
lived in Chusetown were first organized as a separate society in 1797. The 
members wen; Jesse Johnson, Isaac Baldwin, ICsther Baldwin, Sarah Baldwin 
and Eunice Baldwin. Daniel Rowe of Derby was the leader. The follow- 
ing names were soon added : (leorge Clark, Lm-y Hitchcock, Silas Johnson 



174 HISTORY OF SEYMOUK. 

and Olive Johnson. The ministers preached where they found open doors, 
once or more in Mrs. Dayton's tavern, the house now owned by William Hull, 
at the corner of Main and Pearl streets, also in the house of Mr. Stiles, now 
the residence of Dr. Stoddard. Some years later they preached in the ball- 
room of the Moulthroup tavern on the northeast of Hill and Pearl streets. 
The preachers upon the circuit from 1791 to 1800 were, — 

1792, Rev. Richard Swain and Rev. Aaron Hunt. 

1793, Rev. Joshua Taylor and Rev. Benjamin Fisler. 

1794, Rev. Menzies Raynor and Rev. Daniel Ostrander. 

1795, Rev. Evan Rogers and Rev. Joel Ketchum. 

1796, Rev. Joshua Taylor and Rev. Lawrence McCombs. 

1797, Rev. Michael Coate and Rev. Peter Jayne. 

1798, Rev. Augustus Jocelyn. 

1799, Rev. Ebenezer Stevens. 

1800, Rev. James Coleman Rev. Roger Searle. 

Rev. Jacob Brush, Rev. George Roberts, Rev. Jesse Lee, Rev. Freeborn 
Garrettson and Rev. Sylvester Hutchinson served as elders. 

These itinerants were generally stalwart men, strengthened by daily horse- 
back rides and hardened by exposure to all extremes of the weather. Most of 
them were men of fair culture, of great mental strength, of ready wit and 
glowing oratory, of fervid piety, and of marked success as evangelists. Many 
of them attained a good old age, and the churches which they organized have 
grown into large and powerful congregations. 

For a long time the society continued small, and encountered much preju- 
dice and some persecution. At one time while a meeting was being held in 
the house of Isaac Baldwin, which stood on the flat east of H. B. Beecher's 
augur factory, the persecutors went up on a ladder and stopped the top of the 
chimney in time of preaching, so that the smoke drove the people out of the 
house. Squibs of powder were often thrown into the fire in time of worship, 
to the great annoyance of the people. One who was acquainted with the sub- 
quent life of many of these disturbers of worship, relates that a curse seemed 
to follow them, and that most of them died in the prime of life. The preach- 
ers on the circuit from 1801 to 1810 were, — 

1801, Rev. Abijah Bachelor and Rev. Luman Andrus. 

1802, Rev. Abner Wood and Rev. James Annis. 

1803, Rev. Abner Wood and Rev. Nathan Emory. 

1804, Rev. Ebenezer Washburn and Nathan Emory. 

1805, Rev. Ebenezer Wasburn and Rev. Luman Andrus. 

1806, Rev. Luman Andrus and Rev. Zalmon Lyon. 

1807, Rev. Wm. Thatcher, Rev. R. Harris and Rev. O. Sykes. 

1808, Rev. James M. Smith and Rev. Phineas Rice. 

1809, Rev. Noble W. Thomas and Rev. Ooles Carpenter. 

1810, Rev. Oliver Sykes and Rev. Jonathan Lyon. 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 175 

The elders ot the district Avere, Rev. F. Garrettson in 1801-2; I). Ostran- 
der in l.SO.'J-o ; William Thatcher in 1S()<; ; and Joseph Crawford from 1807 
to 1810. 

Amonsx the early Methodists living on Great Hill were Anson Gillette and 
wife, with five sons and two danghters : Mrs. David Tomlinson, with one son 
and three danghters; Capt. Isaac Bassett and wife, with one son and six 
danghters ; and James Tomlinson and wife. 

Freeborn Garrettson held the first qnarterly meeting in this place in the old 
Congregational meeting-house in 1803. Moses Osborn, a zealous local preach- 
er residing in Southbury, by his faithful labors in Derby and vicinity during 
four or five years, prepared the way for a great revival in 1809, when seventy 
persons were converted in the Neck school-house. Most of these joined the 
Congregational church, but several families joined the M. E. church, and add- 
ed to its influence in the town. For several years the work went on ; now in 
Stratford, then at Humphreysville, and then at Nyuinphs, and mother places. 
In 1811 the preachers were Rev. Zalnion Lyon and Rev. Jesse Hunt ; in 
1812, Rev. Aaron Hunt and Rev. Arnold Scholefleld. In 181.3 Middletown 
circuit was divided, and Stratford was made the head of the new circuit, and 
Rev. Ebenezer Washburn and Rev. James Cohnnan were the preachers. 
Stratford, Milford, Derby, Humphreysville, Xyumphs, Great Hill, Quaker's 
Farms, George's Hill, Bridgewater, Brooktield, Newtown, East Village, 
Stepney and Trumbull, were included in the circuit. 

In 1814, Rev. Nathan Bangs was presiding elder of tin; New Haven Dis- 
trict, and Rev. Elijah Woolsey and Rev. Henry Ames were the preachers on 
this circuit. This year, preaching was divided — half a day at Humphreysville, 
half a day at X vumphs, and once a fortnight at Derby Neck. It was a re- 
vival year at the Neck and on Great Hill. The two brothers, Samuel and 
David Durand, and their wives, were added to the little church in the little 
red school-house. which stood a Ittle north of where the Great Hill church now 
stands. Samuel was a good singer. In 1815, Rev. Elijah Ilebard and Rev. 
Benoni English were the preachers on this circuit — but Mr. English soon lo- 
cated at Humphreysville and went into business. This year Walter French, 
a resident of Humphreysville, received license to exhort, and afterwards a 
license to preach, and was very useful here and in other parts of the circuit. 
He had a good memory, a ready utterance, and often spoke with great pow- 
er and success. He died in 18G5, aged over eighty years. 

When Rev. Nathan Bangs was presiding elder, in 1810, he came and 
preached in the Bell school-house, and made his home with Stiles Johnson, on 
the Skokorat road, opposite Thomas Gilyard's place. After some cautions from 
careful brother Johnson against doctrinal preaching, the elder went down in 
the evening and preached a free salvation to a crowded house, giving Calvin- 
ism its portion in due season, as was the custom, and such was the power of 
his words on the congregation, that when the i)reacher, in closing, iniiuired 



176 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

" Who will have this salvation '? Let those who will seek it arise,'" the whole 
congregation stood up with one accord and a revival ensued. In 1817 the so- 
ciety numbered fifty-six members. 

The legislature of the state authorized the division of the shares of its sur- 
plus war tax of 1812 among the religious denominations of the state ; but the 
Methodists refused their portion of the money. At a quarterly conference 
held at East Village, January 9, 1818, Rev. O. Sykes was appointed to com- 
municate with the trustees of the state on the subject, but no person had 
been authorized to receive rejected funds. The afflicted brother returned, 
still burdened with unwelcome charity. At the quarterly conference of August 
in the same year, held at Huraphreysville, Rev. Aaron Pierce and two others 
were appointed a committee to write to the treasurer of the state, and if he 
could not receive the Methodist portion of the money, to draw up a petition 
in behalf of this circuit, to the General Assembly, for liberty to return their 
proportion of said money. Liberty was granted and the funds returned to the 
state. The rising church, though struggling with crushing difficulties, would 
not sacrifice her honest independence of the state. The fathers were fully 
committed to the voluutary principle for the support of the Gospel. 

An extensive revival commenced at a watch meeting in the old meeting- 
house, on New Year's eve of 1818. In this year the Congregational Society 
conveyed the "meeting-house" to the Methodist Society. (See page GO.) 
Jesse and Stiles Johnson, sons of Isaac Johnson, who died in 1813, with 
their wives and many of their relations had joined the Methodist society. 
Jesse Johnson was afterwards a local preacher, and a close student of the 
Bible, but became insane, and after a loug confinement died in 1829. The two 
brothers were buried in the cemetery in the rear of the church. Stiles, who 
died Oct. 4, 1818, by his will gave the land on which the church stands to the 
Methodist society, and also $331 in money. (See page US.) The old meet- 
ing-house was soon after made a two-story building, but no paint was used 
inside or outside. In 1819 the members of the church constituted three 
classes. The leaders were Robert Lee, Timothy Hitchcock and Orrin Peck^ 
the latter class being in Woodbridgc. The members of the class of Timothy 
Hitchcock were, Cynthia Johnson, widow of Stiles Johnson, Thomas and 
Lois Gilyard, Jared and Sally B. Bassett, (daughter of Stiles Johnson,) Tim- 
othy and Urania Hitchcock, Anna Davis, widow of Reuben Davis, Bezaleel 
and Martha Peck, Alva Davis, and his wife Polly, daughter of Capt. Daniel 
Holbrook, Hepzibah Johnson, daughter of Jesse Johnson, and Sheldon Hitch- 
cock, son of Timothy Hitchcock. The circuit preachers from 181(5 to 1820 
were Rev. Nathan Emory, Rev. Arnold Scholefield, Rev. Reuben Harris, 
Rev. Ezekiel Canfield, Rev. Samuel Bushnell, Rev. Aaron Pierce, Rev. 
Beardsley Northrop, Rev. David Miller and Rev. Bela Smith. The circuits 
were large, and two preachers were usually appointed to each circuit each year, 
to alternate at the ditferent stations. 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUK. 177 

The quarterly meetings of those times were hirgely attended and exceed- 
ingly interesting, the people going from all parts of the circuit on kSaturday, 
and putting up with the people in the vicinity of the place where the meetings 
were to be held, so as to be ready for the services of the Sabbath. In the 
afternoon they heard a sermon, after which came the (juarterly conference, 
composed of all the stewards, class leaders, exhorters and i)reachers on the 
circuit. The presiding elders were present on such occasions and drew large 
congregations, the people usually expecting to hear strong doctrinal sermons, 
which were usually very eifective. At one of these meetings on Great Hill, 
in 1820, Kev. E. Washburn, presiding elder, fifteen persons were converted 
in one afternoon. 

Frou) 1821 to 1830, the membership on the circuit was much increased as 
the frnit of revival in diftereut places. The preachers were Rev. James 
Colman, Rev. Laban Ckrk, Rev. E. Barnett, Rev. John IS^ixon, Rev. Eli 
Denniston, Rev. William F. Pease, Rev. Julius Field, Rev. Samuel D. Fer- 
guson, Rev. Valentine Buck, Rev. John Luckey, Rev. Nathaniel Kellogg, 
Rev. Reuben Harris, Rev. John Lovejoy and Rev. Laban C. Cheney. The 
presiding elders were Rev. Samuel Merwin, Rev. Samuel Luckey, Rev. D. 
Ostrander and Rev. Laban Clark. 

In 1828 this part of the circuit was separated and called Humphreysville 
and Hamden. Samuel R. Hickox, a local preacher from Southbury, moved . 
into Humphreysville in 1828, and had charge of a grist mill on the falls, keep- 
ing boarders from the cotton mill. He was a good preacher and was a great 
help to the church in this place. In 1829 Thomas Ellis, a Welshman and a 
spinner in the cotton mill, was converted and joined the church here, of which 
his wife was already a member. He had been a wild young man and a great 
singer, it was said that he could sing all night without repeating a song. 
But in two years after his conversion he had forgotten them all. He was an 
important addition to the church on account of his musical ability. 

In 1831 Daniel Smith was appointed to the circuit, and was assisted by 
William Bates, a local preacher residing in Humphreysville. In that year 
a camp meeting was held in a woods west of where the Catholic church of 
Birmingham now stands, and continued eight days. On the Sabbath ten thou- 
sand people were supposed to be present, and the fruit of the meeting was 
about one hundred converts. Rev. Sylvester Smith, afterwards long identi- 
fied with the interests of the church, was present during the whole of that re- 
markable meeting. In this year the churches in South Britain and Middle- 
bury were built, and the foundation of one at Waterbury laid, and the build- 
ing of a parsonage in Humphreysville conmienced. Three hundred dollars 
worth of books were sold on the circuit, a large amount of missionary money 
raised, and the preachers' salaries paid in full. In April, 1832, Sylvester 
Smith, a local preacher from Hotchkisstown, now Westville, where he was 
first licensed in March, 1830, moved into this village. Rev. Daniel Smith 



178 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

was continued on the circuit, and Rev. Robert Travis was preacher in 
charge. The parsonage was not quite ready for Mr. T., but in a few days 
after his arrival in town he moved into it. It was built by the two brothers 
Lane, from Monroe. After this time the church was an ecclesiastical society 
under the statute and known as the Methodist society of Humphrey sville. 

In 1833, Rev. Thomas Bainbridge and Rev. Chester W. Turner were the 
preachers on the circuit — Mr. B. occupying the parsonage. Turner was a 
single man, who afterwards married the sister of Rev. J. D. Smith, of the 
Episcopal church. Mr. B. was a good preacher and a sweet singer. The next 
year Rev. Humphrey Humphries and Rev. John Crawford were the preachers, 
Mr. H. moving into the parsonage. Rev. Josiah Bowen had charge of the cir- 
cuit in 1834-5. In the middle of 1836 he moved out of the parsonage into a 
house at Derby Neck, where he remained until he died not long since. On the 
first of October, 1836, Rev. Sylvester Smith moved into the parsonage and 
occupied it four years at an annual rent of fifty dollars. Rev. David Miller 
was preacher in charge two years, residing at Great Hill, and closing his term 
of service in May, 1839. Rev. Owen Sykes had been an assistant preacher 
for several years. Thomas Ellis received license to preach in 1833, and did 
good service on the circuit until 1838, when he joined the conference and be- 
came a successful itinerant. He died in triumph, in May, 1873, aged sixty- 
eight. 

Since 1839 Birmingham was a station separate from us, so it was with 
Waterbury. Middlebury and South Britain sustained a pastor ; so that only 
Humphreysville, Great Hill, Pleasant Vale and Pinesbridge remained in the 
Derby circuit. 

In 1840 and 1841 Rev. Thomas Sparks was the preacher in charge, resi- 
ding at South Britain, and Rev. Ezra Jagger in 1842 and 1843, residing at 
Great Hill and assisted in his second year by Rev. M. Blydenburgh. L. At- 
water, a student at Yale, was also a very effective assistant. 

On Saturday, March 19, 1842, a quarterly meeting commenced at South- 
ford. Presiding Elder Carpenter being absent, Sylvester Smith preached. 
Sunday morning was very pleasant, and after love feast, it was found impos- 
sible for more than half the people to get into the chapel. Sparks occupied 
the pulpit, and Smith went below and took his stand in the school-room and 
preached with half his congregation outdoors. It was a memorable time. These 
were prosperous years for the church at Humphreysville, after a period of de- 
pression. Rev. Moses Blydenburgh was pastor in charge in 1844, and lived on 
Great Hill. Mr. B. died in 1848, aged 31 years, leaving a wife, and one son, 
now a lawyer in New Haven. The next two years Rev. George L. Fuller 
had charge of the circuit, residing on Great Hill. Three of his children were 
buried there. In the fall of 1846 a subscription was opened for a new church 
edifice, and Sylvester Smith led with the sum of six hundred dollars. The 
burning of the paper mill of which he was half owner, involving a heavy loss, 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 179 

did not abate liis zeal ; for, during the year he increased his subscription to 
eight hundred dolhirs. One brotlier who did not at first set down his name, 
gave one hundred dollars ; another man changed from twenty to one hundred 
dollars, and a good woman changed her subscription from ten to eighty ilol- 
lars. 

Rev. Charles Stearns moved into the parsonage in May, 1847, and remain- 
ed two years in charge of this circuit. He found the society commencing 
the new church. The old meeting-house was sold for one hundred dollars, 
and torn down, and the new one built in the same place. Jared Bassett, as- 
sisted by Isaac Bassett, built the stone work, and all labored to the extent of 
their ability, giving what they could in money and then turning out and labor- 
ing with a zeal and ardor worthy of the cause. The corner stone was laid on 
Saturday, June 19, 1817. Rev. E. W. Smith, of Birmingham, was the speak- 
er. Sylvester Smith deposited the case under the stone after announcing 
its contents. Rev. Charles Stearns, pastor, conducted the services, and was 
assisted by Rev.Wm. B. Curtiss, of the Congregational church. Amos Hine,of 
Woodbridge, was the contractor for the building, except the stonework. (See 
p. 74.) The bell, from Meneely's foundry in Troy, was raised to its place in 
l!^ovember. Its weight was eleven hundred and fifty pounds. In this year a 
board of trustees was first appointed by the pastor in charge, and vacancies 
were afterwards filled by the official board. 

The church was dedicated on Tuesday, January 18, 1848, by Bishop Janes, 
who preached from Ezra vi, 16. In the evening he preached again. The 
collections amounted to $292.83. The whole cost of the house, bell, and 
furniture, was $5,800, and of this the society owed $800. On the day of 
dedication, the slips rented for $580, and the average amount of annual rents 
in the first ten years was about $550. 

All the elm trees near the church were obtained and set within a year after 
the dedication, under the direction of Rev. Sylvester Smith, by his son Wil- 
liam E. Smith, who was killed in the war, Sept. 1, 1864. The first two in 
front nearest the house of Mr. Tucker, were set on the day of the presidential 
election in 1848. 

In May, 1849, Rev. Seneca Howland was in charge of what in the next 
year was set off from Derby as the town of Seymour. He remained two 
years, and some additions were made to the church. Twenty-three came for- 
word as seekers at his first watch meeting. Rev. David Osborn was pastor 
of Seymour and Ansonia one year, from April 1851 to April 1852, and it was a 
prosperous year in both places ; over one hundred conversions reported. The 
second year the Great Hill church was in a separate charge. His successor 
for two years was Rufus K. Reynolds, an energetic and useful man. 

Rev. William T. Hill was the pastor in 1855-6 for the two churches — 
Seymonr and Great Hill. In his first year, (this being his first appoint- 
ment,) there were sixty-seven conversions and fifty additions to the church. 



180 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

Fifteen adults were baptized at one time. Twenty-four of the converts 
were from the Sunday school. 

Rev. Thomas Stevenson was pastor in 1857-8. He was a good and suc- 
cessful preacher. Rev. L. P. Perry was the pastor in 1859-60, confining his 
labors to this village, and was a faithful and nseful minister. Albert Booth 
was the pastor in the conference year commencing in April, 1861. 

At the Conference of 1862 George Lansing Taylor was appointed to Sey- 
mour, this being his first itinerant work. In his first year the missionary 
collection was increased from $28 to over $100. In his second year the 
Society raised $1,200 dollars towards paying off the church debt, and there 
were a number of conversions. He was an earnest and fearless defender of 
the "stars and stripes," and in those troublons days spoke boldly for "the 
Union, one and inseparable." 

In the summer of 1864, in the pastorate of Rev. A. B. Pulling, a festival 
was held in a car shop on the flat, and later in the season, another in the 
Messrs. Day's new brick factory above the paper mill. The net proceeds of 
the two were $800, and the church was out of debt. Mr. P. remained until 
the spring of 1866, when Sylvester Smith was appointed to the charge for 
one year, and the church edifice was painted outside. It being the centen- 
nial year of American Methodism, Mr. Smith preached eight sermons on 
the subject, l^ineteen persons who had on the previous year joined on pro- 
bation were received into full membership. Rev. Joseph Pullman was pastor 
in 1867-8, and was eminently successful, receiving sixty-five probationers at 
one time near the close of the first year. Rev. Bennett T. Abbott was pastor 
in 1869-70. 

Rev. Joseph Smith was pastor the next three years, 1871-3, and proved 
himself an able minister of the New Testament. Previous to 1861 two years 
was the limit of the pastoral term in the M. E. Church. In 1861 the Gen- 
eral Conference extended the limit to three years. Rev. Joseph Smith was 
the first pastor who preached in the Seymour M. E. Church three consecu- 
tive years, and when his time expired by limitation, he was generally beloved 
and esteemed by the members of the society for which he had labored faith- 
fully, earnestly and impartially. In former years Mr. Smith, as a local 
preacher, residing in Waterbury, had done much good service here in con- 
nection with our pastors. E. H. Frisbie and James Wiswel, local preachers 
in New Haven, also rendered much good service. Sylvester Smith, during 
his forty years residence here was a most active laborer and liberal giver in 
the church. 

Rev. William R. Webster officiated as pastor of the church from April, 
1874, to April, 1875, laboring with much zeal wherever there seemed to be a 
prospect of doing good. The lot east of the church was purchased of 
Edwin Smith for $500 in 1870, with the intention of building a parsonage 
thereon as soon as should seem practicable. Mrs. M. A. Sackett canvassed 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 181 

the society for funds to pay for it, and by her zealous perseverance succeeded 
in collecting the larger portion of the amount. The balance was paid sub- 
sequently fi-om funds received from the legacy of Mrs. Kirtland. In the 
spring of 1875 the subject of building a parsonage adjoining the church was 
agitated and finally at an official mneting, consisting of the stewards, class- 
leaders, trustees and superintendent, held at the parsonage, April 20th, 1875, 
the pastor presiding, it was voted to offer the "Kirtland Place" and the old 
parsonage for sale, preparatory to building a new parsonage. An offer being 
received the board of trustees met and appointed Warren French an agent to 
sell the old parsonage for $2,000, and Lugrand Sharpe, Warren French and 
W. C. Sharpe were appointed a building committee. Plans and estimates 
were obtained and the contract was awarded to Thomas Sharpe for $2,300. 
A large and commodious parsonage was erected, the total cost for the build- 
ing, fence, well, &c., being $2,030, of which $2,000 was met by the sale of 
the old parsonage. The parsonage, with the handsome shade trees around it, 
is said to be the pleasantest in the Naugatuck valley. 

In April, 1875, Rev. E, H. Dutcher was sent by the conference for the 
ensuing year. The dissensions which seemed at the time of his coming to 
be ended, rapidly revived during his pastorate, and had a disastrous effect 
upon the interests of the society. Under liis influence the annual meetings 
of the society, which had for so many years been held under the sanction of 
the laws of the commonwealth, were discontinued, and a ruling was made by 
him and sustained by the presiding elder that there was under the law of the 
church no such thing as a Methodist society, and that the separate organiza- 
tions could only be known as jMethodist churches. During his pastorate the 
amount contributed by the membership for the missionary cause dwindled to 
$13, including $3 interest on the Gilyard legacy. During the eight years 
previous, when Lugrand Sharpe was collector, the amounts contributed were 
—year commencing in April of 1867, $65.75 ; 1868, $107.33 ; 1809, $91.95 ; 
1870, $158.73 ; 1871, $61.50 ; 1872, $68.22 ; 1873, $67.00 ; 1874, $61.00 ; 
as shown by the published minutes of the New York East Conference. 

In April, 1876, the conference appointed Rev. Charles A. Tibbals, for the 
ensuing conference year. In December he very abruptly resigned to join the 
Protestant Episcopal communion. Rev. A. B. Pulling, who was pastor of the 
society in 1864-5, was appointed by the presiding elder to till the vacancy 
until the next session of the conference, and — notwithstanding his failing 
health — labored earnestly and efficiently for the good of the society. 

The old pulpit was removed in the spring of 1876 at the request of Mr. 
Tibbals, and in February, 1877, an elegant black walnut pulpit was presented 
to the society by H. B. Beecher, Esq. It was first occupied Feb, 4th by Rev. 
Aaron Pierce of East Village, who was the pastor of the church in 1848, 
and his aged form and hoary locks, white with the frosts of eighty-nine winters, 
as he preached from 2 Tim., 4-7, constituted an occasion long to be re- 
membered. 



182 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

In the spring of 1877 Rev. J. Vinton became pastor of the churcli. In 
the following fall, in connection with an effort to advance the temperance 
cause, a revival commenced. Arthur J. Smith, the first convert, son of Rev. 
Joseph Smith, had long been a leader among the young people, and was then 
instrumental in leading many of his old associates to the cross. Feeling 
called to the ministry he left the Record office, where he had been em- 
ployed, to attend the Collegiate Institute at Hackettstown, N". J., preparatory 
to entering college. This revival resulted in the conversion of about thirty 
persons. During the following winter there were several conversions at Great 
Hill, under the labors of Rev. J. Vmton. 

The year 1868 was a notable one in the history of the church. It was de- 
cided to renovate the church, and on Sunday morning, June 27th, an appeal 
was made for funds for the work, and $225 was quickly pledged. The work 
was soon commenced and in all about $900 was raised and laid out in fresco- 
ing the audience room, repairing and refurnishing the lecture and class rooms, 
repainting the whole interior, putting on a new roof, &c. At a festival held 
adjoining the church July Ith $103 was raised, and $283 was subscribed at 
the re-opening Aug. 11th, and the whole expense of the improvements was 
soon paid. There were several conversions during the yi^ar. In the two 
years — April, 18G7, to April, 1869, about fifty united with the church on pro- 
bation, of whom nearly forty have been received into full membership. 

The finances of the church, under the efficient direction of the pastor, have 
been well kept up and notwithstanding the extensive outlay there has been 
no increase of debt. The contributions of the church for regular expenses, 
repairs, «Scc., from April, 1878, to April, 1879, were over $2,000, with a total 
membership at the close of the year of one hundred and sixty. 

The whole church property, at Seymour and Great Hill, is estimated at 
$13,000, with a debt of only $662, on the parsonage. 

TRUSTEES. 

Oct. 31, 1818, Stiles Johnson, Bezaleel Peck, Robert Lees, Thomas Gil- 
yard and Timothy Hitchcock. 

Wales French was elected a trustee April 2nd, 1840. 

Sylvester Smith was elected April 10th, 1813. 

Jan. 26th, 1846, Rev. George L. Fuller appointed trustees as follows : — 
Thomas Gilyard, Jared Bassett, Merritt Osborn, Samuel R. Hickox, Sylvester 
Smith, Warren French, Burritt Hitchcock, William B. Watson and Wilson 
Wyant. Apr. 3, 1846, Lyman Hartson vice Thomas Gilyard, resigned. 
Sheldon Miles vice Wilson Wyant, resigned. 

1861, Jared Bassett, Sylvester Smith, Warren French, Sheldon Miles, Henry 
W. Benedict, Smith Botsford and William N. Storrs. 

Sept., 1866, elected for one year, Albert W. Lounsbury, Sheldon Miles 
and Willis ITmberfield. For two years, Jared Bassett, Smith Botsford and 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 183 

Wilson E. Hendryx. For three years, Sylvester Smith, William N. Storrs 
and Warren French. 

Since 1860 three trustees have been elected by ballot annually in Septem- 
ber, by the adult male members of the church. 

1867, Sheldon Miles, Willis Umberfield, AV. W. Dibble. 

1868, Smith Botsford, A. W. Lounsbury, C. C. Nugent. 

1869, Sylvester Smith, Warren French, W. N. Storrs. 

1870, Sheldon Miles, S. II. Rankin, W. W. Dibble. 

1871, W. C. Sharpe, Lyman Botsford, T. S. Ladd. 

1872, H. B. Beecher, Warren French, W. N. Storrs. 

1873, Lugrand Sharpe, A. W. Lounsbury, William Gilyard. 

Edwin Smith, elected to fill vacancy vice Lyman Botsford, resit^ned. 

1874, W. C. Sharpe, William B. Johnson, James K. Adams. 

T. S. Ladd, elected to fill vacancy vice William Gilyard, resigned. 

1875, H. B. Beecher, W. N. Storrs, Sheldon Miles, 

1876, W. W. Dibble, H. C. Rogers, D. H. Munson. 

1877, W. C. Sharpe, James K. Adams, Joseph Hitchcock. 

1878, H. B. Beecher, W. N. Storrs, Sheldon Miles. 

Warren French, elected to fill vacancy vice H. C. Rogers, removed. 



THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 

George Kirtland came to Seymour in 1825, and in 1826 or 1827 he started 
a Sunday school with five children of his own, the number increasing the 
first year to 27. He tried to establish a library for the Sunday school, both 
himself and a Mr. Fisher contributing books and money. He kept up the 
school six or seven years, when it was discontinued for a time. 

The Superintendents since the re-organization of the school, so far as 1 
have been able to learn, are : 

1841-2, Samuel R. Hickox. 1866-7, William N. Storrs. 

1843-8, Lugrand Sharp. 1868, Sheldon ]\Iiles. 

1852, John Adams. 1869, William C. Sharpe. 

1853, Frederick Duraiid. 1870-1, William N. Storrs. 

1854, William A. Hughes. 1872, William W. Dibble. 

1855, William Mallory. 1873, Samuel Butler. 
1856-7, Albert W. Lounsbury. 1874, Charles N. Blanchard. 

1858, William Mallory. 1875, Samuel Butler. 

1859, Warren French. 1870, Edward N. Botsford. 
1860-1, William N. Storrs. 1877, Henry C. Rogers. 
1802-5, Henry W. Benedict. 1878, Samuel Butler. 

In 1862 there wore 777 volunit'S in tlie library. 1879, Geor""e E. Stockwell. 
In l>^rir«, 851 volumes. 



REV. JOHN BOWER, 

FIRST MINISTER AT DERBY. 

The first clergyman of Derby was Eev. John Bower, who was settled 
tliere in 1G72 and died in 1G88, He was a graduate of Harvard College, 
class of IG-tO. He was a son of George Bower, or Bowers, found in Scituate, 
Mass, in 1037, in Plymouth in 1039, and who removed to Cambridge. George 
lived in Cambridge on the east side of Xorth Avenue, not far from the rail- 
road bridge. There his wife Barbara died, 25th March, 1044. He m. 2"*^ 
Elizabeth Worthington, and had Jerathmeel, b. 1050. George Bowers had 
some trouble with his son Benamuel, for in May, 1052, he was complained of 
for rending a deed with several articles between them. Yet in 1050 he con- 
veyed twenty acres in Charleston next Cambridge line to Benamuel. He 
voted several years but at the same court in 1052 was fined for it, not being 
a sworn freeman. Both offences were complained of by Thomas Danforth, 
who apparently made it warm for him. He died late in 1050, his will of 8th 
Nov. being proved 30th Dec. of that year, and his widow married 25th June, 
1057, Henry Boutell or Boutwell. He had two daughters — Patience, m. 
Humphrey Bradstreet, and Silence ; and by his first wife two sons, undoubt- 
edly born in England. Benamuel of Cambridge, who suffered imprisonment, 
whipping and fines as a quaker, and Kev. John, graduated at Harvard 
College in 1049. John was a school master in Plymouth, perhaps (says 
Savage) the earliest in the business. 

Xew Haven was early ambitious to have a classical school, which how- 
ever was maintained with difficulty, so few wished to study "Latten." 

"8th Xov., 1052, the Governor informed the Court that the cause of 
calling this meeting was about a school master to let them know what he 
hath done in it ; he hath written a letter to one Mr. Bower, who is school 
master at Plymouth and desireth to come into these parts to live." 

Dec. 20th, 1052, the Governor had received a letter from j\Ir. Bower, 
who was willing to come but could not until spring because he was engaged 
in Plymouth until April and he wished to know what the town expected. 
The town declared he might "for the M'orke and the paye" have the terms 
Mr. Hanford had. The terms with Hanford in 1051 were, he was "to have 
"£29 a yeare and the towne to pay for his chamber and dyet, (which they 
"have agreed with Mr. Atwater for, for 5.s^ per week.) That his paye bee 
"goods and some of it such as wherewith he may buy bookes and defraye 
"charges in his travel. That he have libertie once a yeare to goe see his 
"friends which was propounded to be in harvest time. That if he be called 
"away (not to the same worke) but some other employment which may be 



180 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

"for the honor of Christ he may have libertie, and for this he will teach the 
"children of this towue, (having the benefit of strangers to himself) after 
"they are entered and can reade in ye Testament to perfect them in English 
"and teache them their latin tongue as they are capable and to wright." 

The arrival of Mr. Bower is noticed 21st June, 1653, and he boarded 
with Thomas Kiraberly. His predecessor had trouble with scholars not far 
enough advanced for his school, and May 1st, 1G54, a complaint was made 
that Mr. Bower was so employed in teaching children their letters that the 
"Lattin" suffered, so two townsmen were deputed t^ send such children home. 
3rd April, IGGO, Mr, Bower informed the town that there were in this high 
school, only eighteen scholars, and sometimes but six or eight present, and he 
w^anted to know "whether they would have a schoole or no schoole." This 
year closed his seven years service. We hear of him next in Guilford, where 
in 1660, says Smith, he purchased an estate and supplied the pulpit for three 
or four years until Mr. Joseph Elliot was settled, which was in 1664. In 
another place Mr. Smith says John Cotton and Mr. Bower jointly supplied 
the pulpit. He was not as popular as Mr. Elliot after him. 

In 1666 on the removal of a part of the planters of Branford to ISew 
Jersey, with their pastor, Mr. Piorson, he engaged Mr. Bower to preach in 
his place, and himself paid him to the end of that year. The people gave a 
formal call to him Jan. 6th, 1667, to become their pastor, voting to allow him 
for the next year forty pounds and a days work from every planter. They 
renewed it year by year adding to the salary. 

In May, 1671, he was invited to settle there and accepted Dee. 3rd of 
that year but left in 1672. He had previously meditated removing to Derby, 
as 18th April, 1671, Derby granted him twelve acres for a home. 18th 
Nov., 1673, the planters there voted to build him a house, and it is recorded 
next that the first year Mr. Bower is willing to take what the inhabitants 
would voluntarily give, as they are at great expense in building. 

In 1681 and again in 1682 they voted him fifty pounds for a years salary. 
Mr. Bower's will is recorded in Derby records as well as at ISTew Haven. It 
is dated Jan. 8th, 1684, (1685).* It is very short, speaking of him as being 

*A copy ot Mr. Bower's will — from the Town Records of Derby — uo date to 
the record. 

The last will and testiment of Mr. John Bower of Derby, being very weak of body 
but of perfect understanding and memory, do leave these lines as my last tvill and testament. 
Impri. My will is yt after my decease, my dearly beloved ivife, Bridget Bower, shall 
have ye disposal of my whole estate, to dispose of it amongst our children, as she shall see 
cause, he desiaring yt ye birthright may be remembered if he cary it tvell to his honored 
mother, as witness my hand, this eight day of jenuary, one thousand, .fix hundred eiifhty four, 
ABELL GUN. /I P rt> 

JOB FEISBIE. ~T^ n-n l5o iA/Q, if. 

The will no doubt was written by another, while Mr. Bower was siclc, and 
signed by him, and the bad spelling may be due to the scribe or recorder. 



HISTOEY OF SEYMOUR. 187 

very weak in body and giving liis wife Bridget tlie full disposal of his estate, 
care of the children, &c., desiring y' ye birthright, {ie. double portion) may 
be remembered if lie carry it well to his honored mother." He died 14th 
June, 1687. His widow continued to reside in Derby, wliere she died 19th 
May, 1720. Her house is mentioned in 1701, the pound being "as you go to 
Mrs. Bower's, her house." 

In 1070 he joined with the llev. Zachariah Walker of Woodbury in a 
letter urging defence of Woodbury and Derby "as would be the hrst attacked." 

He married at New Haven, Bridget Thomi)Son, daughter of Anthony 
Thompson of New Haven. Mr. and Mrs. Bower's had at least the following 
children, perhaps more. 

Kuth, bapt. 20th Dec, 1657, m. 2nd Dec, 1074, John Frisbie of Bran- 
ford, and had children— John, 23rd May, 1070; Edward, 24th Jan., 1678; 
Rebecca, 14th Nov., 1679 ; Hannah, 18th Jan., 1681 ; Samuel, 10th Feb., 
1083 ; Ruth, 6th Dec, 1685, d. 26th May, 1088 ; Joseph, 15th Aug., 1088. 
As widow and administratrix of her husband, she deeds 20th Jan., 1700, to 
her son Samuel, with assent of her son John. Mr. Savage says she m. 2nd, 
William Hoadly. 

Mary, ra. 1682, Samuel Nichols. 

Samuel, 5th Nov., 1065. 

John, born at Guilford, 3rd Dec, 1667. 

Ann, m. 2nd Sept., 1703, Francis French of Derby. 

Nathaniel. The latter does not appear in Savage's Dictionary, but 
29th Dec, 1707, Mrs. Bridget Bower deeds to "my beloved son Nathaniel 
Bower of Greenwitch, in the county of Fairfield." He removed to East 
New Jersey and in the grant for Derby appear the minor heirs of Nathaniel 
Bower in East New Jersey, deceased. He was Rev. Nathaniel, minister of 
the first church in Greenwich in 1700. He succeeded Mr. Wakeman at 
Newark, New Jersey, and was succeeded shortly after Aug., 1710, by Mr. 
Wliittlesey in Newark. He is beyond all (juestion the Rev. Mr. Bower of 
Kye — in 1090, and remaining there until 1700, when he was "settled" at 
Greenwich. The period of his stay at Rye was while the people of Rye 
"revolted" from New \"ork to Connecticut, which revolt apparently arose in 
considerable degree at least, from religious feeling. In 1700 the town ordered 
his salary to be paid "in specie as followeth, wheat at five shillings iter bushel, 
and all other provisions pay equivalent." His salary was fifty pounds. 

Samuel, born in 1665, m. 1st, in 1687, Ruth Wooster of Derby, daughter 
of Edward Wooster from Milford. He m. 2nd, 4th Nov., 1691, Lydia 
French, daughter of Francis and sister of the husband of Ann Bower. She 
was born 28th Sept., 1670. He was several times constable, (then an office 
of high honor), and was alive as late as 1708. He had children at least 

Lydui, born Aug. 2nd, 1692. 

Rebeckah, born March 9th, 1694, died Dec. 7th, 1712. 



188 HISTOKY OF SEYMOUR. 

Kezziah, born March 2na, 1G9^. 

Miriam, born April 5th, 1703, m. Oct. 7th, 1724, Ephraira Waslibon. 

Samuel, born Dec. 2nd, 17 — (torn off) who m. a wife Sarah, and had a 
a daughter born in Derby, Jan. 8th, 1729. 

John, born in 16G7, appears in Derby in 1G93, and continued there, hold- 
ing various places of trust. He was surveyor in 1705, collector in 1706, 
deputy to the legislature in May, 1708, dying in September of the same year 
and styled Mr. He is identified beyond question by a deed from his mother 
in 1707. It is generally said that he was minister for a while in Rye. This 
is a mistake, originating with Mather in his Magnalia, who put at Rye in 
1090, Mr. Bower, H. C. (Harvard College). This was John the first, but 
out of date. Trumbull in his history of Conn, says John Bower removed 
from Derby and settled at Rye about 1088. Mr. Savage makes it the Sen. 
John — but it appears plainly in Mr. Baird's History of Rye, p. 281, that the 
only Bower of Rye was Nathaniel. Mr. Baird adds he knows nothing of 
Nathaniel's antecedents which we here set forth. 

To help the confusion that has existed as to the Johns — there was in 
Greenwich a John Bower, neither of these as in Vol. IV of Fairfield Pro- 
bate Records is his will 1093, who gives to his daughtet-in-law Judah 
Renolds and sister Hester Bukley ? John of Greenwich was 43 years old in 
1081. There was also in 1072 a Mr. John of Oxford, Mass., who had a son 
in South Middletown, Conn. I do not know what children this second John 
of Derby had, but a third Mr. John m. Nov. 22nd, 1732, Sarah Riggs, died 
20th Jan., 173^, and April 18th, 1739 his widow married Rev. Mr, Daniel 
Humphreys. They had at least a daughter, Sarah, born Aug. 18th, 1730. 

Rev. Daniel Humphreys and his wife Sarah above named were parents 
of General David Humphreys, born 1752 or 1753 — from whom Seymour 
was first named Ilumphreysville. 

Anthony Thompson of New Haven, (the fiither of Bridget, wife of John 
Bower), with his wife, two children and brothers John and William em- 
barked at London in 1637, on board the Hector with Gov. Eaton, Rev. Mr. 
Davenport and others of the New Haven colony, arriving at Boston June 20th, 
1037. They were among the first settlers at New Haven, where he signed 
the compact, June 4th, 1039. 

Anthony died March 23rd, 1047, making a nuncupative will in the 
presence of Rev. Davenport and Robert Newman, which was proved May 
27th, 1050. He left fifteen pounds to Bridget, (daughter of his first wife), 
to be paid her at the age of eighteen years, provided she disposed of herself 
in marriage with the consent and approbation of her mother and the elders of 
the church then being. As she married a clergyman and the classical school 
teacher of New Haven, it is to be hoped the widow and elders were not 
averse to the match. 

Anthony had children, John and Anthony, when he came. Bridget was 
born here. He married 2nd, Catherine, and had two daughters by her : 



IlISTORV OF SEYMOUR. ISO 

'llannah, wlio niarried a Staunton ; and Lydia, wlio luarriod Isaac Crittenden ; 
and one sou, Ebenezer, 15tli Oct., 1648, who was born some niontlis after 
the will and probably posthumous. 

He remembered the daughters and the widow while she was his widow. 
She forfeited her share by marrying Nicholas Camp in 1052, but she wjis still 
loved by her step children, for Anthony gave his property to his brother John, 
sister Bridget, his three half sisters, children of "Goodwife Camp," and lii.s 
"mother-in-law," ie. step-mother. 

William, the brother of the first Anthony, died 24th April, 1G8.3, leav- 
ing neither wife or children. He gave property to his nepliews and neices, 
calling them cousins, and among them his "beloved cousin Bridget Bower." 

The Thompsons might be presumptively from the neighborhood of many 
of the New Haven emigrants, to-wit: Kent, London and Hertfordshire, but 
Bridget's brother Ebenezer died in Guilford in 1070 and is called a Scotch- 
man. Possibly the Thompsons had moved from Scotland to London. An- 
thony evidently was respected in New Haven, for it appears by the Colonial 
Records that he was very often chosen by the court as a committee man or 
an arbitrator in case of doubt or trouble. 

In March, 1043, he was with several others at training fined "OrZ for 
foole (foul) guns." There were fined in all, thirty-eight men, so we judge the 
service was not much better than Falstaft's motley company. In 1047 it was 
charged that "the last night he watched he fell asleep." The only effect 
seems to have been that Richard Osborne who made the charge, was made 
to " pay 40s. fine to the town for his slanderous reproach layed on the watch- 
masters, which he was not able to make out or prove." Osborne had also 
to acknowledge his "sinne" in general court. In 1048, Anthony Thomp- 
son having deceased, another was chosen in his place as " collector for the 
colledge corne." 

His nuncupative will, made May 27, 1050, was not allowed as a legal 
will, but it was ordered that the wife should administer upon the estate 
"according to the particulars in this writing contained," which would seem 
about as well as if it was a legal will. This left out poor Ebenezer as though 
he had no business to be born after his fother died. Barnabf^s Baldwni, b, 
September, 1005, son of Richard, the "moderator," of Derby, who died in- 
testate in July of the same year, was similarly punished. 

PETITION FOR A CHURCH AT DERBY. 

For the following petition to the general court at Hartford we are in- 
debted to Hon. Charles J. Hoadley of Hartford. It is written and signed by 
Mr. Bower. 

To the Ilon'^able Gen" Court at Hartford we humbly crave leave to 
\)Y sent as followeth : 

We may truly say as sometimes said good Nehemiah in somew' a like 
case, that G'' hath put into o'^ hearts & y' for some space of time and desirous 



190 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

we are all now & y* as one man to build the L*^ o*^ G^ an bouse & to end"'' 
the enjoy™* of a cdi state according to y^ order of the Gospell amongst 
©'selves in this place where divine providence hath cast us, wch if the L«i 
shall grant unto us, we shall say w*'' the psalmist y* our lives are fallen in 
pleasant places & y* we have a goodly heritage, especially if y* y*' name of o'' 
little citty, (if it shall co'e to y*) may be Jehovah Sham'ah tlie L'^ is there. 
The causes moving hereunto are 

1 Gods com'and 1. Hagg 8. Go build the house wch relates to Christ's 
visible cch so termed : 1 Tim : 3, 15 : The house of G*^ wch is ye cch of ye 
living God. 

2 Christ's com'and : 6 Math : 33 : first seek the kiugdo'e of C wch re- 
lates to a church State : the vissible cch of Christ on earth being y*' kingdo'e 
of he a' or of G'^ on earth 25 Math : 1. 

3 The great cont'"* G*^ takes to breathe in y« counsi' of saints in a ch state & 
y* above all other societies 87 ps 2 : 132 ps 13 so on : That is ray rest etc. 

4 The promise of G"^*" presence w^^ & blessing upo' his cch: 20 Exo'^ 24: S7 
ps 5. 6. 

5 The practise of true beleving ones in primitive times to embody yms in a 
cch state though but few : of w""^ y** N. T. gives abundant proof 

6 We desire to be under a cch watch, wch of all watches is the most strict 
12 Heb 15. Looking diligently. 

These & such like consideratio's have put us upo' our forementioned de- 
sires & in order to the further prosecution of y" same, we did in the 1"* place 
make our addresses unto the throne of grace for guidance & to seek of G*^ a right 
way for us and our little ones After this we sent unto the churches of Christ 
next adjacent &r we have (as will appear by y'' letters) their consent and ad- 
vice to up and bee doing in wch respect we may set up o'' Ebenezer & say 
hitherto y' L'' hath helped & set before us an open door And hereby we are 
the more embolned according to o' boundin duty humbly to entreat (Hon'« 
fathers of the Com'onwealth & nourishers of Gods Israel) that you wil please 
to cast a favorable aspect upo' these o'' desires & y* o'' looking w^ever of 
obliguity or human frailty yo'^ honors may have espyed or may now in these, 
wch might justly impedim*, and give us leave to build an house for o'' God 
and with y"'" leave under God by his assistance we will say : as 15 Exod 2 he 
is o'' God and we will prepare hi' an habitatio' our ftithers God & we will 
exalt hi'. 

Hon™ fathers, if G*^ shall so dispose of yo'' hearts as to abbet, encourage, 
assist, protect us in this matt' we wil yet againe set up o' Ebenezer & say be- 
hold he hath set before us an open door & no man can shutt it. If it shall be 
object*^ we are poor : A. G*^® ordinances will enrich us, 6 Math : 33 : 3. Pro. 
9, 10 but if you are few & small : we would answer in the Lords own words 
4 Zach : 10, who hath dispised the day of small things. We read y* instru- 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUK. 1!H 

nients have been too mane}^, never too few for (J"' to work liy : \- tliorolore 
through G'' we shall do valliantly. 

Y'"' hon"* humble supplicants cV faithful servants in the name of the rest 
of 0'' brethe' & neigh bo" 

Derby : the (>th of May, 1G78. -j-ofi-n^oi^af. 

JOHN HULLS, 
JOSEPH HAWKINS. 

Note.— lu the oiigiual m and other letters are frequently omitted and the oniisHiou in indicated 
l.y a wave line over the preceding letter. No such type being available, the omissions have here been 
indicated by apostrophes. 

TROUBLE WITH INDIANS. 

In the first volume of Cothren's History of Woodburv is an interesting 
letter from Rev. Mr. Walker of Woodbury, and Rev. Mr." Bower of Derb>" 
relating to the removal of inhabitants from their places on account of the 
Indians and securing of these two plantations. The original is on tile in Hart- 
ford in the handwriting of Mr. Walker and signed by both : 

" To ye Honoured Gen»' Court convened at Hartford Octob" lUth 1G7G 
we whose names are hereunto subscribed do humbly propose as followeth : 

That whereas y'' providence of God hath so ordered that by means of late 
troubles brought upon y^ country we the inhabitants of Woodbury and Derby 
have been necessitated to remove from o"" dwellings And a more favorable 
aspect of Providence at y^ present inviting us to a return & y^ necessity of 
many of o' families in part inforcing it yet forasmuch as we cannot be assured 
but ye like danger may again arise we make bold before such o'" return to re- 
quest this honoured Court to resolve us in one important imiuiry viz in case 
the war w*'' y'' indians should be again renewed what we may expect & trust 
to from y'' authority of this Colony in order to o'' protection & safety ? We 
humbly request that o'' inquiry may neither be judged offensive nor con- 
cluded irrational till ye following grounds of it be considered : 

1 First we cannot be insensible of o' former experience viz: that in a 
time when danger threatened y*" loudest & o'" two plantations afores'* were 
probably in greatest hazzard we were not only without any other help but o"" 
own for y*' guarding of o"" ould place but o*' own also w"='* were indeed too few 
were taken from us time after time being pressed from y'" sea-side towns 
when occasionally they came thither about necessary business whereby we 
had more proportionally to o"^ members from o'' two plantations imployed in y'' 
publick service then (we suppose) any other town of ye Colony ; And as by y 
means we were forced to a removall so y'' in we had not the least benefit of 
any guard for y'' safety of o"^ persons or goods. 

2 Neither can we be insensible how unable many persons will bee after 
a second remove to those plantations without ruine to y'' families to return 
again to these older plantations ; partly by means of ye chargeableuess of such 
removes & partly by means of what disapointments we have already met with. 



192 HISTOEY OF SEYMOUK. 

3 Thirdly we desire ye rautuall obligation betwixt rulers & subjects may 
be considered viz : y* as y** latter owe subjection respecting both ye persons & 
estates ', so y'^ former are obliged to protect both according to y*^ best ability 
providing that they may lead a quiet & peccable life. 

4 Let it be considered ; that though formerly the country had cause 
enough because sin enough to beget an expectation of affliction yet y'' was 
little or no expectation y* it should arise from such means before it did begin ; 
the experience y'' fore of so unexpected an affliction aifords (notwithstanding a 
present seeming cessation) ye more cause to expect ye like again sooner or 
later especially so little of refformation any where appearing : If therefore 
new-begun & remote plantations may not in such hazzards have any promise 
of just protection y® non-encouragin* of such (as will endanger their desertion) 
so it will discourage any other persons from erecting any other for y*^ inlarge- 
meut of y" Colony & whether y* will not be much to y"^ disadvantage of y** 
Colony we leave upon inquiry. 

5 The secureiug of those two plantations of Woodberry & Darby will ac- 
cording to second causes be one of y** most considerable securities in a time 
of such dangers unto y" two western counties viz, of New Haven & Fairfield 
for it can hardly be expected y* any strength of Indians will adventure to set 
upon any lower plantation till they have attempted ours al)ove & if they fail 
they will be y^ more shy of pounding themselves by coming lower. 

6 Though we cannot affirm yet we are not without some reason to sus- 
pect (& y* fore only propound it as a conditionall argument) that y" charges 
expended in other colonies for garrisoning some of their out towns & fetching 
otfe y*^ persons & goods of some others will come upon account in y® publick 
charges of y'' war to be proportionably borne by ye three Colonies which if it 
be this Colony will not be so much y*^" shorter in y^ bill of expenses because 
they have not done ye like & vertually fined to ye other Colonies because they 
had not as extensive & generall a care of y'" out plantations y* were most ex- 
posed to danger as other Colonies had of theirs. 

We humbly request yo' consideration of y** premises & y* yo'' worships 
will so far regard o'^ infant plantations as to afford us some intimation of yo'' 
pleasure concerning this o'^ inquiry. 
Yours in all due observance 

-^ im^oWa nr. in ye behalfe of Derby. 
ZECHARIAH WALKER in ye behalfe of Woodberry. 



GENEALOGY. 193 



CA1VFIEL13. 



Thomas Campfield was in Milford as early as 1646, and in 1668 his 
name appears as proprietor of the lionio lot No. 55 in the original town plot. 
In 1669 he was recorded a freeman, and May 13, 1669, he was confirmed 
"Serjeant of the Train Band" of Milford. He was admitted into the church 
at Milford in 1657. In 1686 he was taxed on £154. His will is dated Feb. 
23, 1687. In his inventory, dated Aug. 22, 1689, (£482, Is., 2d.,) are mentioned 
his three married daughters, Sarah, Pliebo and Elizabeth, his daughter Abigail, 
and three unmarried daughters, and his two sons as executors. He married 

Phebe . Children : ^Thomas, b. Oct. 14, 1654 ; d. in 1712 ; ^Mary, b. 

Jan. 1,1656; 4Bii2abeth, b. Feb. 14, 16-^9 ; ^Hannah, b. Nov. 20, 1667; 
'^Mehitabel, b. July 2, 1671 ; '^Jeremiah, ''Abigail ; '■'Sarah, m. Josiah Piatt, 
Dec. 2, 1669; and '"Phebe. 



^Thomas, Jr., son of Thomas and Phebe, (spelled his name Camfield), 
had children : 'iRebecca, b. Jan. 28, 1682 ; '^Thomas ; '-'Israel, b. May 24, 
1684 ; '"Abiel. Milford Records of Apr. 30, 1712, speak of land deeded by 
Israel and Abiel, sons of Thomas Camfield, late deceased, to Thomas, their 
older brother. 



'^AbieL'*, son of Thomas, (name spelled Canfield,) removed to Derby 
and m. Ruth Washborn Sept. 12, 1717. The name occasionally ai)pears 
upon record as Abiram. Children : 

'•Joseph, b. Oct. 1, 1719, m. Sarah Stilson Sept. 3, 1746, d. July 14, 1784. 
i«John, b. Mar. 31, 1721. 
"Abiel, b. May 30, 1723, d. Mar. 13, 1741. 

'"William, b. Oct. 29, 1725; m. Hannah Lumm, d. Sept. 30, 1761. 
'■'Samuel, b. Dec. 26, 1727, m. Mary Bassett Apr. 3, 1754. 
^Mosiah, b. Dec. 22, 1729, d. Jan. 1, 1737. 
^' David, b. Feb. 5, 1734, d. Nov. 23, 1741. 

"Dr. Josiah, b. Dec. 31,1739, m. 1st, Jan., 1, 17(J7, Anne Nichols, 
who died Oct. 20, 1768; 2nd, Feb. 28, 1769, Mrs. Naomi Davis; 
child, ^^Abigail, b. Sept. 9, 1770. 



194 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

AbieP gave to his son Joseph a house and land on Bungay as appears by 
the deed which reads as follows : 

Received to Eecord December 2d, 1754, and Recorded in page 295 of Derby 6 Book, by me. 

Charles Fkench, Clerk. 

To ALL PEOPLE TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME GREETINGS 

Know ye that I Abial Canfield of y« Town of Derby in y« County of New Haven in 
his Majesties CoUony of Connecticut in New-Enjjlaucl Do for y Parential love good will 
and aifections that I have and do bear to wards my Son Joseph Canfield of s^* Derby 
with other good Causes and considerations me hereunto moveing: Do by these pres- 
ents Give: Grant. Bargain, Alien : make Over convey and Confirm unto to him y« s'^ 
Joseph Canfield and to his heirs and assigs for ever one certain percell of Laud 
Scituate within y« Town Ship of Derby above s**. Lying and being within that tract 
of Land called Camps Mortgage : Containing by Estimation Thirty Acres be it more 
or less Bounded East and Westerly on High ways: Northerly or y^ Land of m'' John 
Brinsmaid Southerly on ye Laud of Sar"' Jouah Smith together with one Dwelling 
H°use and orchards thereon Standing : Withall y'^ previlidges and Appurtenances 
there unto belonging to Have And to Hold all y above Granted and Bargained premisses 
withall y^ privilidges and Appurteuanc'=^ thereof uuto him y« s'' Joseph Canfield and 
to his heirs and assigns for Ever : to his and their own proper use & benitit as a good 
Indefeasiable Estate in Fee Simple: Without any manner of trouble or Molestation 
Given by me y^ s'* Abial Canfield or any other person or persons in Name or Steed In 
confirmation of y"= premisses I y*^ s** Abiall Canfield have hereunto Set my hand and 
Seal this twenty fourth Day of June in y"^ Twenty first year of y" Reign of our soverign 
Lord George y^' Second of Great Brittian King &.c A,: D. 1847. 

ABIEL CANFIELD 

Signed Sealed and Delivered ) Ebenezer Keeney 

In presence of I Abigail Riggs juner 

Derby in y^ County of New Haven on y"= Day and Date above written 
then aud there M"^ Abill Canfield personly appeared and Ackuoledged y« 
Above written Instrument with y^ signing and Sealing y« Same to be his 
own free act and Deed before me Sam" Riggs Justice of Peace 

AbieP died in 1772 and his will was proved at i^ew Haven in June of 
that year, John Canfield, executor. In it he mentions his grandson Samuel, 
son of Dr. Samuel of Derby, deceased, also his grandson Abel, son of Wil- 
liam. Ruth d. Sept. 24, 1784, aged 87 years. 



'^JOSEPH^ oldest son of Abiel and Ruth, in. Sept. 3, 1746, Sarah, 
daughter of Moses Stilson, b. Apr. 23, 172G, d. Jan. 25, 1793. Children : 
2*Ruth, b. Feb. 7, 1748, d. Oct. 31, 1749. 
25Ruth, b. Feb. 20, 1750. 
2«Anne, b. Oct. 17, 1751. 

2^ Abiel, b. Apr. 6, 1753, m. Mary Barlow, d. Dec. 6, 1812. 
28Sarah, b. Mar. 19, 1755. 
29Charity, b. Feb. 1, 1758, d. Feb. 2, 1758. 

^"Abraham, b. June 20, 1759, m. Oct. 6, 1784, Mabel, dau. of Isaac and 
Lois Johnson, b. Nov. 27, 1766, and had children ; 

31, Etbeliuda, b. Feb. 12, 178C, (32) Urania, b. Mar. 6, 1788. 

33Daniel, b. Mar. 21, 1761, m. Anna Hurd, d. Dec. 25, 1818. 



GENEALOGY. 105 

^'Abiel^, oldest son of Joseph and Sarah Canfiekl, m. Mary Barlow of 
Stratford Dec. 23, 1779. See page 126. Children : 

^^Abiel, m. Eunice, daughter of Capt. Bradford Steele, removed to Ohio. 

35Samuel, b. 1707, m. Mary Allen, d. Apr. 17, 1870. 

^«Clark, ^■'Lewis. 

^^Betsey, m. Lewis Broadwell, d. in 1821. 

39Lockwood, b. 1782, d. Feb. 18, 1803. 

Abiel Canfifild made many purchases of land on the west side of the Naugatiick and south 
of Little river, among whicli were the following, which may help to give an idea of the " ancient 
landmarks " : 

May 10, 1784, from Theophilus Miles, a piece of land " lying at a place called Camp's mortgage, 
coDtaining twenty rods of land, begining at the northeast corner of said peace of land, ueare to a 
well in the highway, and then runing northwesterly by the highway ten rods to a heap of stones, 
and then ruuiug southerly three rods to aheap of stones, and tlien runing easterly ten rods to a heap 
of stones, and then runing northerly one rod to the first mentioned corner; bounded north on high 
way, west and south and east on my own land." Witnessed by James Riggs and Tliomas Clark, 
Justice of the Peace. 

Dec. 6, 17'J0, from James Pritchard of Bethlehem, Litchfield cc, for the consideration of £20, 
" one certaine peace or parcel of land situate in the Township of Derby, containing three acres, 
be it more or less, lying in Camp's Mortgage on the Little River Road, said peace of laud being 
part of the laud owned by Nathaniel Wooster, Decst.— bounded East on highway, north on 
Susannah Cornishes land, west on Johnatliau Miles' land, south on Daniel Wooster laud." Wit- 
uessed by John Davis and Thomas Clark, Justice of the Peace. 

Aug. 22, 1791, from Samuel Saufovd, for £17, one piece lying southward of John Cornishes 
house, the other west of sd. Cornishes house, commencing at corner of John Rowe's land, running 
westward 41 rods on highway, southward 35 rods on Jobuathan Miles' land, thence eastward 21 rods 
on Abiel Canfield's land and northward 9 rods on John Rowe's land; witnessed by Simeon Curtiss 
and Thomas Clark, Justice of the Peace. 

July 2, 1796, from Jesse Smith, nine rods of land between lands of said Canfield and Smith, wit- 
nessed by Jesse Baldwin and Levi Tomlinson, Justice of the peace. 

Feb. 9, 1805, from George Steele, for $500, a piece of land bounded northerly and westerly by 
highway, easterly on land of the heirs of Isaac Baldwin, H acres with house and barn ; and two 
acres bounded southerly by highway and northerly and easterly on Johnathan Miles' land. Wit- 
nesses, Philo and Levi Tomlinson. 

The same date, from George Steele, Wm. and Milo Keney, for $650, one piece bounded westerly 
on highway, southerly on land of Abijah Hull, easterly on Naugatuck river, northerly on land of 
heirs of Isaac Baldwin and said Steele, 5^ acres ; and 14 acres bounded southerly on highway and 
land of Leverett Pritchard, westerly on land of sd. Pritchard and Josiah Washborn, northerly on 
land of Philo Holbrook, and easterly on land of Johnathan Miles. 



^^Samuel'', son of Abiel and Mary Canfi(dd, m. Mary Allen, who die 
Oct. 5 ; 1841, aged 38 years. Children : 
""Ann, d. Jan. 16, 1858, aged 30 years. 
*iJohn M., d. Apr. 14, 1858, aged 29 years. 
«Elsie, d. Sept. 10, 1848, aged 18 years. 
^^George, d. May 25, 1853, aged 18 years. 
'"Harriett, m. Henry T. Booth. Children : 

45, Alida ; (40) Hattie, m. Frank A. Cotter of Auaouia ; (47) Lottie E. and (4.-^) Mary. 

^^Saiuuel H., m. Harriett, daughter of Raymond French, Esq. 
^"Edwiu U. 



196 HISTOEY OF SEYMOUR. 

At the time of the second war with Great Britain, Samuel Caufield was an 
apprentice learning the trade of machinist with Elias Gilbert. He was 
drafted, and Mr. Gilbert hired a substitute rather than lose his assistance. 
Years after, in company with Hiram Upson, he carried on the manufacture 
of augers in what are now James Swan's chisel works, and afterwards worked 
for Dwight and French and the Humpreysville Manufacturing Company 
about twenty years. For the twenty years preceding his death he lived in 
retirement at his residence near Trinity church. He died April 17, 1879, 
aged 82 years. 



■'^Daniel,^ third son of Joseph and Sarah Oanfield, m. Feb. 11, 1789, 
Anna, d. of Zedock Hurd of Woodbury, b. Aug. 13, 1765. Lived on Bun- 
gay, south of the schoolhoase. Children : 

s^Esther, b. Mar. 5, 1790, m. Sheldon Kinney. 

=^3Charity, b. Oct. 21, 1792, d. Oct. 1, 1793. 

s^William, b. Sept. 18, 1792. 

55 Joseph, b. Sept. 29, 1796, m. Frances Eason. 

■'SJulia Ann, b. Apr. 10, 1799. 

^''Alraira, b. Dec. 5, 1801, m. Charles Bradley. 

58Sarah, b. Jan. 5, 1801. 

59Caroline, b. Sept. 26, 1806, m. Treat Botsford. 

^"Judson, b. April 8, 1806, m. Sarah Miles. 



"'John*, son of Abiel and Ruth Canfield, m. 1st in March, 1751, Elizabeth 
Johnson, who died Sept. 8, 1751 ; 2nd, Mrs. Martha Judd, Nov. 20, 1753. 
Children : David, b. Kov. 6, 1751 ; Bette, b. Mar. 26, 1756 ; Molle, b. June 
1, 1758 ; Eunice, b. Nov. 17, 1760. 2)^,% Records. 



"'William*, m. Hannah Lumra Mar. 6, 1774. Children, Abel, b. May 
29, 1755 ; Hannah, b. May 30, 1756. 



i'^Dr. Samuel", son of Abiel and Ruth Canfield, m. Apr. 3, 1754, Mary 
Bassett, and d. in 1766. Children: Samuel, b. July 13, 1756; Sabra, b. 
Feb. 15, 1758; Suze, b. Nov. 6, 1759; Seba, b. Jan. 2, 1762; Salle and 

Silva. Derby Becordn. 



GENEALOGY. 1M7 



IMOG^S. 



Edward Eiggs settled in Milford in 1640, and was afterwards one of the 
first settlers of Derby. Savage says Samuel Riggs of Milford ni. in 10(i7 a 
daughter of Richard Baldwin and removed to Derby. 



Edward Riggs of Derby, probably a descendant of Edward of Milford, 
and Lois Osboru of Waterbnry M^ere married by Rev. Mr. Manslield May 11), 
1759. Children : 

Moses, b. Apr. 10, 1700, m. Susannah Tucker. 

Edward, b. Jan. 24, 1702. 

David, Thomas and Isaac. 



MoSES Rtggs, son of Edward and Lois, a soldier of the Revolution, ni 
Susanna, daughter of Samuel Tucker. Chihlreu : 
Sheldon, m. Rebecca Lingham. 
Leman, ni. Patty Clark. 
Mosesj m. Gracie ITolbrook. 
Simon, 

Thomas, m. Watie G. Smith. 
Clara, m. 1st, David Johnson; 2nd, John Nichols. 
■VSusan, m. EzrfivBassett. 
Harriett, m. Daniel Ilolbrook. 
Eliza, m. Levi Johnson. 
Garry, m. Sally Clark. 



Ebenezer Riggs, m. Rachel Peck of Waterbnry July 5, 17.'}.'). Children : 
Rachel, b. May 31, 1734, d. May 25, 1740. 
Esther, b. July 24, 1730. 
Ebenezer, b. Nov. 17, 1738, d. May 20, 1740. 
Rachel, b. Jan. 23, 1741. 
Louis, b. July 25, 1743, d. Aug. — , 1751. 
Eunice, b. Oct. 14, 1745. 
Ebenezer, b. Jan. 22, 1748. 
Jeremiah, b. July 1, 1750. 
Joseph, b. 4.ug. 17, 1753. 

Ebenezer Riggs of Oxford m. Julia M.,dau.of Col. John Davis. Children: 
Lucinda, m. Henry, son of Sheldon Church of Seymour. 
Dewitt, unmarried. 



198 HISTOKY OF SEYMOUE. 

Homer, ra. Mary E. Davis of New Rochelle, IST, Y., daughter of Capt. 

Clark Davis, and granddaughter of Capt. Truman Davis. Eesides at 

Washington, D. C. 
Bernice, m. Charles Meiggs of Oxford. 
N. Clark. 



Joseph Kiggs, m. Mabel Johnson Feb. 20, 1730. Children 
Hannah, b. Dec. 21, 1740. 
John, b. Apr. 10, 1742. 
Joseph, b. July 21, 1746. 
Samuel, b. Nov. 21, 1750, d. Sept. 21, 17G0. 
Mabel, b. May 5, 1759. 



John Eiggs, Esq., son of Joseph and Mabel, m. Elizabeth Hawkins. 
He died June 18, 1814, and his wife died Oct. 3, 1815. Children : 
John, b. Dec. 22, 1771, m. Jan. 1, 1793, Mary Beecher. 



John Eiggs, son of John and Elizabeth, m. Jan. 1, 1793, Mary, dan. of 
Isaac and Hannah Beecher. Children : 

Maria, b. May 7, 1793, d, June 4, 1813. 

Laura, b. May 7, 1795, m. John Davis Oct. 16, 1813, d. in 1854. 
Mary, b. Mar. 13, 1798, m. John S.Moshier, Oct. 27, 1816, d. Feb. 9,1877. 
John H., b. Jan. 6, 1801, d. Oct. 10, 1805. 

Lucinda, b. May 20, 1804, m. Warren French, Nov. 21, 1823; d. » 20, '76. 
Thirza, b, Oct. 26, 1807, m. 1st, John Humphrey, 2nd, Joshua Kendall. 
John, b. Oct. 25, 1811, d. Nov. 14, 1855. 
Harpin, b. Dec. 9, 1813, m. Harriett Upson May 17, 1840. 
Henry, b. Jan. 15, 1816, m. Mary Ann Bradley, d. in 1864. 
John m. 2nd, Mar. 6, 1829, Betsey Hawkins, b. Apr. 26, 1786, d. July 



Harpin Eiggs, son of John and Elizabeth, m. Harriett, dan. of Hiram 
and Sarah Upson May 17, 1840. Children : 

John H., b. Apr. 5, 1841, ra. Adella Kennedy May 17, 1866. Children : 

Alice Louisa, Lizzie Atwood, Joliu Harpiu. 

Eoyal B., b. Oct. 6, 1844, m. Mary Dunn. 

Hiram U., b. Dec. 20, 1846, d. July 4, 1852. 

Louiza B., b. Sept. 4, 1849, m. Norman Sperry Nov. 24, 1869. 

Sarah M., b. June 5, 1852, m. Geo. A. James May 26, 1875. Child: 

Florence H. 

Harriett, b. Apr. 2, 1856, in. Joseph G. Eedshaw of Ansonia Sept. 18, '78. 
Mary B.,b. Feb.4, 1 859, m. Gilbert E.Osborne of NewHaven,Nov. 7,'78. 



mSTORY OF SEYMOUR. 199 



GMLLETTE. 



Capt. Gillette was taken by the British at the time of the Kevolutiou 
as he was returning with a valuable cargo after an absence of four or live 
years. His vessel and cargo were held by the enemy, but he was after a tiuui 
released. 

Anson, son of Capt. Gillette, b. Feb. 3, 1773, m. Ist, Oct. 11, 1795, 
Sarah Hull, b. Jan., 1769, d. Aug. 28, 1800 ; 2nd, Mar. 10, 1801, Betsey 
Manslield, b. Nov. 30, 1777. Children: 

David, b. Dec. 16, 1796, d. in Golconda, 111., in 1822. 

William, b. Aug. 16, 1798, d. Sept. 11, 1803. 

Sally, b. Dec. 23, 1801, m. Judson English, Mar. 23, 1828. 

William, b. July 31, 1804, m. Amaritta Johnson. 

Isaac, b. Dec. 7, 1805, m. Harriett Hurd, d. May 22, 1833. 
vEli, b. June 1, 1810, m. Eliza Bassett. 

Lucius, b. June 11, 1812, d. Nov. — , 1878. f^' '" 

Philo, b. Sept. 30, 1814, m. Mary Bassett. ^^f$- , fij/y^ ^■.■■ 

Mary, b. Dec. 23, 1816, d. May 26, 1817. ' 

Charles, b. May 15, 1818, d. Mar. 13, 1819. 

Mary, b. Sept. 8, 1820, m. Albert J. Downs of S(|uantuck. 

Betsey, b. Apr. 8, 1823, m. Abner White, moved to Bradford co.. Pa., ■ ^vN 



d. Mar. 8, 1848. 



bner \S hite, moved to Bj,adfi^ CO., Pa., ; ^] 



> Eli Gillette, son of Anson and^Sft«»4|, m. Eliza, dan. of Ezra L, Bassett 
of Oxford. Children : 

Emily, m. F. M. demons. Children : 

Bertha, m. Apr. 20, 1879, Walter W. Radclille of Oxford ; Arthur F. aud Waltur. 

Wilbur F., m. Amelia Rice. Residence, New Haven. 
Sarah A., m. Edwin W. Clark of Derby. 
Lillie M., 
Augusta, d, 

Ephraim Gillette, m. Pervis ^''^ . Children : 
Freelove, b. Aug. 10, 1729. 
Mary, b. Mar. 10, 1726-7. 



Joseph and 
Benjamin, 



b. Aug. 7, 1744. 



Philo Gillette of Rocker's Hill, m. Mary, dau, of Ezra P.assett. 
Children : 

Martha, m. David Ilawley of Oxford. Child, Clifford. 
Dexter, m. Emaretta Si»erry. Child, Walter. 



200 HISTOEY OF SEYMOUE. 



JOHTVJ^OIV. 

Peter Johnson^ of Fairfield, had three sons. 

Moses, with his wife Mary, removed to Woodbury, and died Oct. 30, 

1713, aged 62. 
Ebenezer m. Elizabeth Wooster and removed to Derby. 
John, d. in 1659. 

Col. Ebenezer Johnson^ m. Nov. 23, 1671, Elizabeth, dan. of P^dwin 
Wooster ; removed to Derby in 1676. Children : 

Elizabeth, b. in 1672. 

Eunice, b. Aug. 22, 1678. 

Hannah, b. Dec. 6, 1680. 

Peter, b. Oct. 9, 1684. 

Ebenezer, b. Feb. 22, 1686. 

Israel, b. Apr. 13, 1689. 
Ebenezer, Sr., was a freeman in 1678, long one of the chief men of Derby, 
and its re})resentative to the General Assembly in 1685. His name is recorded 
in the list of the proprietors of Derby in 1717. Among the many purchases 
fi-om the Indians made by him was one April 15, 1700, recorded in D. It., 
Book 1, p. 52, from Cockupatain and Ahuntaway, of " a certain quantity of 
land at liimmon, bounded southward with y^ little Kiver, Eastward & north- 
ward with David Wooster his land & ye afors'^ Captaine & Ensigne their land, 
Naucatug River Westward, «fe Northward with Tobie y« Indian's purchase." 

On the 18th of April, 1704, he purchased from James Howd " a certain 
parcell of upland lying & being easterly of Eoad that goeth to Woodbury 
against y*" land called Quakers Farme, bounded Northerly with a splitt Eocke 
& stones in ye cleft thereoif, easterly with a white oake tree, westerly with a 
chestnut tree, southerly with a chestnut tree, eighty rods long on each side, 62 
rods wide att each end, containing 31 acres more or lesse." D. E., Book l,p,80. 
In D. E,, Vol. 3, p. 43, is a record of a sale to Ebenezer Johnson in 1709, 
on account of a squaw, of land extending from the Naugatuck river east to 
Milford bounds, and from Beacon Hill Brook to Lebanon Brook. 



Lieut. Ebenezer Johnson^, son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth, m. Hannah 
, d. in 1751. Children : 

Benajah, b. in 1704 ; d. Apr. 13, 1763. 

Timothy, m. Abigail Brewster, Feb. 21, 1725. They had but one sou, 
1^ Alexander, b. in 1730, d. in Sept., 1817. 

m. John Eiggs. 

Ann m. Samuel Hitchcock. 

Sarah m. James Wheeler, May L9, 1736. 



(JEXEALOGY. l»Oi 

Benajah Johnson^ son of Ebenezer and Elizabeth, in. Oct. 10, 1728 
Mrs. Sara (Brewster) Hawkins, who died May 7,17(J;3,aged 72 years. Chihlreu: 
Isaac, b. in 1735, m. Lois Hopkins, d. Apr. 10, 1813. 
Zeviah, b. in 1739, m. Abiel Fairchild, d. May 20, 1810. 
Benajah Johnson bought of Johnathan Lum for £200 a tract of land " lying 
in the i^orth purchase near Bladens Brook, so called, containing ninety-six 
acres, be it more or be.it less, bounded northward on the land of Sam" Tom- 
linson, eastwardly on common laud, southwardly on land of Daniel Wooster 
late of Derby, deceast, westerly on highway." Dated "y" seventeenth day of 
December, in the ninth year of the BiMgu of our Sovereign Lord, George y» 
Second of Great Britain, King, & A. D. 1735." D. R., Vol. 4, p. 157. 



Isaac Johnson, son of Benajah, m. Lois Hopkins, who was born in 1738, 
and died Oct. 10, 1814, aged 70 years. Isaac d. Apr. 10, 1813, aged 78 
years. Children : 

Susannah, b. Nov. 24, 1703. 

Ruth, b. Mar. 31, 1705. 

Mabel, b. Nov. 27, 1700. 

Jesse, b. in 1773, d. Oct. 21, 1820. 

Stiles, b. in 1782, d. Oct. 4, 1818. 



Alexander Johnson-', son of Timothy and Abigail, m. Hannah 

He lived at Pinesbridge, in the house still standing a little nortli of the house 
of William Gillette, and gave the land for the Pinesbridge cemetery. Children: 

Timothy, b. Jan 21, 1700, d. Jan. 21, 1830. 

David, Elijah, Nathaniel, Charles. 

Abigail Brewster m. Moses Clark of Nynmphs. 

Ruth, b. in 1003, m. Thomas Leavenworth. 



AsAHEL Johnson m. Lois Children: 

Lois, b. Mar. 11, 1700. 
Elisha, b. Oct. 27, 1707. 



Gideon Johnson, son of Jeremiah, m. Lvdia Dcecher of New llaveu, 
Mar. 24, 1749. 

A sister of Gideon m. Thaddeus Baldwin of Woodbridge. 

Ebenezer Beecher Johnson, b. Nov. 24, 1703, m. .Alay 25, 17S5, 
Hannah P. Clark, b. Aug. 13, 1700. Children: 
Garry, b. Nov. 5, 1792, m. Harriett llotchkiss. 
Chary, b. Jan. 27, 1795, m. James Downs of Monroe, Oct. 14, 1815. 

Children, Clark 15., b. Oct. 3, 181(i; Cliary Auii, b. Juue IG, ltil8; Jauiea 15., b. Feb. 21, IttM. 



202 HISTORY OF SEYMOUE. 

Hannah Betsey, b. Mar. 23, 1802, m. June 15, 1820, David Beach, d. 

Oct. 9, 1822. Child, Hannah B. 
Ebenezer B. Johnson d. Sept. 17, 184G. His wife Hannah d. July 24,1847. 



Garry, son of Ebenezer B. and Hannah P. Johnson, ra. May 1, 1817, 
Harriett Hotchkiss, b. Mar. 29, 1798. Children : 

Garry B., b. Apr. 9, 181Y, ra. Huldah Dolittle. Residence, Bethany. 

David, b. Mar. 11, 1819, m. Ruth Ann Scott. Residence, Seymour. 

Mary Ann, b. Nov. 7, 1821, m. Robert Hodge. 

Andrew, b. Oct. 5, 1823, ra. Elizabeth Davis. 

Betsey, b. Oct. 21, 1825, ra. John Scott. 

Harvey, b. Dec. 17, 1827. 

Clark, b. May 4, 1830, m. Mrs. Eliza Snell. 

Albert, b. Oct. 17, 1833, ra. Eliza J. Tuttle, residence Ansonia. 

Noyes, b. in 1836, m. Julia 

Harriett E., b. Oct. 1839, m. Geo. G. Lewis. Residence, Shelton 
Martha A., m. Fred Neuschler. Residence. Ansonia. 



Israel Johnson, m. Elizabeth Wakling May 28, 1740. Children : 
Charles, d. Oct. 28, 17G3, aged 22 years. 
Elijah, d. Nov. 11, 1703, aged 18 years. 
Elizabeth, d. Nov. 15, 1763, aged 2 years. 



Rev. Jesse Johnson, son of Isaac and Lois, m. Hepzebath , d. 

Oct. 21, 1829. Hepzebath d. Apr. 13, 1824. Children : 
Sally B., b. Sept. 6, 1797, ra, Jared Bassett. 
Isaac, b. Apr. 2, 1799. 
Jesse, Jr., b. Mar. 28, 1801. 
Hepzibah, b, Jan. 28, 1803. 
Harry, b. Mar. 30, 1805. 
Sally, b. July 12, 1807. 
Lois Eraily, b. Feb. 24, 1810. 
Stiles, b. May 14, 1813. D. Ry^% p. 433. 



Elizabeth, b. Nov. 26, 1786. 

Newel, b. May 22, 1789, d. in Westville June 11, 1879. 



Ebenezer Johnson, b. in 1761, d. Sept. 25, 1792. Buried in the 
Cemetery adjoining the M. E. Church. 



GENEALOGY. 203 

Gideon Johnson, son of Ebenezer, m. Sarah, dau. of Dr. Crittonden of 
New Haven, m. in 1835, aged 8G years. His house stood in the angle of the 
road where Day and Pearl streets meet. Died in 1835, aged 3G. Children : 

Sheldon Crittenden, ni. Susan H. Stoddard. 

Hopie, m. Henry L. Noble, d. in Cleveland, O., in 18G9. 



Sheldon C. Johnson, son of Gideon, m. May 19, 1828, Susan H., dau. 
of Abiram and Eunice Stoddard. Residence, Seymour, Ct. Children : 

Charles Napoleon, born March 4, 1820. Graduated in Yale College, 
1857. Studied law iu Tolland with Judge Waldo, and engaged iu 
practice in New Haven in 1857, died Nov. 12, 18G7. 

Henry, born Nov. 10, 1830, married Oct. 10, 1853, Ellen E. Botsford, 
who died July 21, 1801. He resided in Seymour, Conn., till 1801, 
when he removed to New Havfeu. Is a merchant. He represeuted 
the town of Seymour in the Legislature in 1857, was one of the 
committee to locate the new county jail at New Haven, and was ap- 
pointed on other important trusts while a member of the Assembly. 

Oscar, born Jan. 10, 1833, died Oct. 17, 1833. 

Oscar F., born March 13, 1834, died Nov. 20, 1836. 

Oscar Eugene, born Nov. 28, 1836. Kemoved to San Francisco in 1862. 

Josephine W., born Oct. 10, 1838, married April 9, 1863, Gustavus 
R. Elliot, Esq., a lawyer in New Haven. 

Harold St. Clair, bom Jan. 29, 1841. 

Louis Le Grand, born Feb. 18, 1843, died May 14, 1843. 

Susan Stoddard Clark, born Sept. 15, 1844. 

Sarah Crittenden, born Sept. 20, 1851, m. John T. Forsey. 



5STEELE. 

John Steele^, b. in Essex co., Eng., appears first on the records at 
Dorchester in 1031, only ten years after the arrival of the ^lay (lower, lie 
was one of the proprietors of Cambridge in 16;52, as were also George and 
Henry Steele. In 1635 he led a band of emigrants through the then pathless 
wilderness to the bank of the Connecticut river, where they laid the founda- 
tion of the city of Hartford. For twenty-three years he representee! the new 
settlement in the Colony Court and for twenty years he was the recorder of 
the town of Hartford. His last years were spent in Farmington, where he 
died Nov. 25, 1665. He m. 1st, Kachel, who died in 1653; 2nd, :Mercy 
Seamer, who died in 1(565. He had eight children, among whom was 



204 HISTOIIY OF SEYMOUE. 

John Steele^, m. Mercy Waruer in 1645, and d. in IGS^. They had 
six children, among whom was 

Saj^uel Steele^, b. Mar. 16, 1652, lived in Hartford, m. Sept., 1680, 
Mercy, dau. of Major Wm. Bradford. She died in 1720. He died in 1710, 
had five sons and two daughters, among them Thomas and Lieut. John. 

Thomas Steele^, son of Samuel and Mercy, b. Sept. 9, 1681, m. May 
10, 1709, Susannah Webster, who d. Nov. 27, 1757. He lived in West 
Hartford, had eight children, died in 1757. 



Capt. Bradford Steele, b. in 1735, ra. 1st, Mary , d. Oct. 

16, 1788, aged 56 years ; 2nd, Sarah Wheeler. Capt. Bradford d. Apr. 18, 
1804, aged 09 years. Sarah died May 13, 1826, aged 80 years. 



Dea. Bradford Steele, son of Capt. Bradford, m. Mar. 9, 1785, Ruth, 
dau. of Simeon Wheeler. Children : 

Edmund, b. Apr. 4, 1788, m. Anna Tucker, d. Apr. 8, 1840. 
Sally, b. May 7, 1791, m. Chester Jones Nov. 20, 1808. Children: 

Susan Minerva, h. in Auj;. 1809, m. William Brewster of Erie, Ta. 

Sarah Maria, d. Nov. 18, 1877. 

Maiy Ann, b. in August, 1811, m. Clark McSparren of Erie, Pa. 

Julia Malinda. 

Ruth Enimeline, m. W. C. Curry of Erie, Pa. 

Chester Bradford, m. Caroline Smitli, lives in East Saginaw. 

Louisa, ni. Dr. Wm. MagUl of Erie, Pa. 

Ashbel, b. Aug. 8, 1793, d. Sept. 23, 1794. 

William, b. Feb. 14, 1798, m. Betsey Korthrop Nov. 1, 1819 ; d. Nov. 
24,1874. Children: 

John, Truman, Walter (living in Ansonia), G-eorge, Mary. 

Burr, b. June 7, 1800, m. Betsey Mallett Nov. 7, 1822, d. Aug. 11, 1823. 

Child, Burr S., b. Mar. 19, 1821, d. Sept. 4, 1844. Betsey d. Apr. 7, 1824. 

Susan, b. Dec. 17, 1802, d. Oct. 11, 1804. 

Almyra, b. Feb. 22, 1810, m. Ist John W. Holcomb Nov. 23, 1832 ; 
2nd, Henry P. Davis Sept. 2, 1849. 
Mrs. Ruth Steele was born Sept. 17, 1765, and died Feb. 20, 1856, aged 
90 years and 5 months. 

Edmund Steele, son of Dea. Bradford and Ruth, m. Nov. 24, 1809, 
Anna, dau. of Zephaniah Tucker, b. Nov. 27, 1783. Children : 
Albert J., b. Feb. 22, 1812, d. Jan. 6, 1878. 
John Burton, b. June 10, 1814, d. Aug. 22, 1854. 

Albert J. Steele, son of Edmund and Anna, ra. Feb. 11, 1835, Julia, 
dau. of Chester and Sally Jones, who died July 29, 1863. Children : 
Sarah Ann, b. Oct. 17, 1836. 
Susan Maria, b. Mar. 28, 1840. 
Julia Frances, b. May 2, 1843, d. Feb. 29, 1844. 



GENEALOGY. 205 



Albert Edmund, h. Oct. 29, 1845, d. Oct. 19, 1858. 
Oriaiia Louisa, b. July 2, 1852. 



John Burton Steele, son of Edmund and Anna, m. May 11, 1845, 
Emmeline A. Stuart of Bridgewater, b. July 13, 1819. Children : 
Celestia, b. Sept. 29, 184G, m. Edward B. Bradley Ifov. 29, 18CG. 
Frank E., b. Aug. 20, 1848. 

Almira Steele, daughter of Dea. Bradf»)rd and Ruth, m. 1st, Nov. 23, 
1832, John W. Holcomb, b. Jan. IG, 1812. Children : 
George S., b. Dec. 23, 1835, d. Oct. 17, 1842. 
John W., b. Nov. 2, 1843, m. llhoda L. Langdon, Sept. 24, 18G7. 
Mary B., b. Apr. 1, 1838, ni. Samuel Howd, July 4, 1871. 
Married 2nd, Sept. 2, 1849, Henry P. Davis, b. May IG, 1818. Children : 
"George Smith, b. May 24, 1850, m. Martha M. Cushen Oct. 2, 1872. 
Burr Steele, b. Dec. 22, 1851. 
Alice Almira, b. Feb. 2, 1854, m. Joseph T. Beard Mar. 27, 1872. 



Samuel Bassett m. Sarah . Children : 

John, b. Nov. 14, 1751. 

Abraham, b. Mar. 21, 1753, d. Nov. 17, 1833. 

Eunice, b. Jan. 9, 1759. 

Sarah, b. Feb. 14, 1761. 

Abraham Bassett, son of Samuel and Sarah, m. ]\Iary . Lived 

on Bungay in house now occupied by Robert Healey. JMary Bassett died 
Dec. 25, 1849, aged 90 years. Children : 

Abram, d. Nov. 17, 1853. 

Samuel, m. 1st, Mary Lyman ; 2nd, Laura Phanton. 

Abel, m. Martha Peck, d. Mar. 23, 18G3, aged 78. 

Jared m. Sally, d. of Jesse Johnson. 

Marcus, m. Mary Ann Rogers. 

Glover, ni. 1st, Elizabeth Baldwin; 2nd, Nancy Gilyard. 

Grace m. Brouson Wheeler of Southbury. 

Lucinda, d. Oct. 8, 1878, aged 90 years. 

Harvey, 

Abijah, m. Polly Duraud. 



206 HISTORY OF SEYMOUE. 

Glover Bassett, son of Abraliani and Mary, b. Oct. 19, 1793, m. Ist 
Oct. 5, 1<S20, Elizabeth Baldwin, b. Oct. 17, 1793, d. Oct. 1, 1838 ; 2ud, 
Oct. 21, 1839, Nancy Gilyard. Children : 

Amos, b. Oct. 5, 1820, ra. Keziah H.Kowe Sept. 11, 184:5,d. Aug. 31,1802. 

Jane, b. Oct. 23, 1822, in. Willis Baldwin and d. Sept. 8, 1849. 

Louisa, b. July 6, 1825, d. Feb. 10, 1826. 

Elizabeth A., b. Apr. 4, 1829, d. May 17, 1853. 

James Harvey, b. Oct. 25, 1835, d. Nov. 22, 1872. 

William a., b. May 8, 1844, d. Dec. 2, 1862. 



Amos Bassett, son of Glover and Elizabeth, m. Sept. 10, 1845, Keziah 
H. Rowe, who died Oct. 26, 1873. Children : 

Frank G., b. Sept. 28, 1847, m. Hattie L. Storrs Jan. 9, 1878. 
Isaac H., b. Apr. 30, 1849, m. Sarah Sanford July 31, 1869. 
Alice J., b. Apr. 30, 1851, m. Robert Healy Sept. 13, 1866. 
Mary E., b. Apr. 14, 1854, d. Sept. 2, 1874. 
George A., b. Dec. 30, 1857, d. Sept. 15, 1858. 
Hattie K., b. Oct. 10, 1860. 

Jared Bassett, son of Abraham and Mary, m. Sally, daughter of Rev. 
Jesse Johnson. Children : 

Julius, m. 1st Augusta Ann Lake ; 2nd, Sarah Lum. Children : 

FiedBrick B., Heber L., Sarah E., Augusta A., Flora. 

George, m. Laura Tomlinson. Children : 

Miuerva M., Elizabeth E. 

Sheldon, m. Elizabeth Sparry, lives in Woodbridge. Children : 

Ida A., Hattie. 

Sarah, m. Sylvester P. Smith of Birmingham. Children : 

Elizabeth, Joaeph H. 

Thomas G., m. Catharine A. Lake. Child : 

Nellie C. 



Joseph Bassett, m. Sarah Hawkins Nov. 16, 1748. Children : Samuel, 
b. June 25, 1751; Tafeene, b. Jan. 12, 1762; Sarah, b. Feb. 12, 1764; Rhode, 
b. Feb. 12, 1769. 



John Bassett, m. Naomi Wooster Oct. 6, 1743. 
Samuel Bassett, m. Sarah Bochford Oct. 26, 1748. 



Joseph Bassett and Molly Henman were married March 18, 1779, 
Children : 

Sheldon, b. Feb. 14, 1780. 

Nancy, b. Mar. 22, 1782. O.K.. bmd, ise. 

Laurey, b. Mar. 13, 1784. 



CKNKALOCV. 



SS H A R I> E . 

Thomas Sharpe, bom in England about 1580, was appointod assistant 
to Endicott, the new Governor of .Massachusetts, in IG29. lie sailed from 
London on the Arabella in the fleet with Winship, and was present at the 
court held on the Arabella March 23rd, lG2i>. tie was the sixth member 
of the Boston Church, 

He tilled his office of Assistant to the Governor, as it was then termed, and 
member of the Council of Massachusetts Colony without interruption until 
1G31, when he embarked at Salem with Sir Richard Saltonstall and familv on 
board the Lions Whelp, April 1st, and arrived in London April 30th. 

WiuthiDp's Xew Eiifcland. yonus's (Ihiouicles ol' MaHSiichuMitts, t'tc. 



Thomas Sharpe came from England in 1700, settled in Stratford, m. 
Lydia, daughter of Wm. Dickinson, and granddaughter of Rev. Frederick 
Dickinson, in 1701, and in 1708 was one of the thirty-six men to whom 
the General Assembly granted the township of Newtown. He sold the lands 
he had purchased in Stratford and removed to Newtown. Among the transfers 
made by him at this time was one of laud in Stratford to Samuel Hawley of 
Derby in exchange for said Hawley's right in the town of Derby, Jan. 23, 
170|, recorded in Derby Records, book 2, p. 101, land records. At a town 
meeting (in Newtown) held Sept. 4, 1711, Thomas Sharpe was appointed 
surveyor of highway, an office which was then no sinecure, as the town 
records of the highways laid out through the lands until then almost untrod 
by the feet of white men will attest. By the several divisions among the pro- 
prietors of various tracts of land as fast as surveyed during two or three years 
following, he and his heirs acquired several hundred acres of land, the larger 
part of the township being still unsurveyed and undivided. He died in 1712, 
leaving five children. His wife Lydia survived him about forty years. A 
pi-otest made by her J)ec. 15, 1751, still appears on the Newtown records, re- 
lative to lands of which she was unjustly deprived. 

Thomas, b. Mar. IS, 1702, died April 17, 17«;5. aged 63 years. 

Mary, b. Oct. 10, 1703. 

William, b. Aug, 19, 1705. 

John,b. Feb. 1, 1708. 

Elizabeth, b. Apr. 18, 1712. 



Thomas Sharp, son of Thomas and Lydia, m. Feb. 17, 1745, Sarah^ 
dau, of Richard (3rozier and granddaugliter of William Crozier, lived in 
Newtown. Children : 

Thomas, b. May 28, 174(5, m. Mary Treadwell, d. Mar. 14. 1805. 
Lvdia, b. Dec. 10, 1748. 



20S HISTOIIY OF SEYMOUR. 

John, b. Nov. 12, 1750, m. Phedina Lake Nov. 23, 1772, d. at Harlem 
in 1777. Children: 

Lucy, boiu Oct, 11, 1773: Eena, bom Aug. 4, 1776. 

Eliakim, b. Dec. 5, 1752, m. Hester Wetmore Nov. 25, 1773. 

Jesse, b. Jan. 30, 1755. 

Sarah, b. Mar. 25, 1760, m. John Blake Vose. Children: 

John, Abby (m. Smith of Stratford), Lucy, Lydla, Ruth. 



Thomas Sharp, son of Thomas and Sarah, m. Mary Treadwell, removed 
to Ridgefield and afterward to Oxford, near Zoar Bridge, where he died Mar. 
14, 1805. Children : 

Polly, b. June 30, 1771, m. Frederick Galpin of Woodbury, d. Oct. 30, 1851. 

Children : Stephen, Curtis.s, Polly, Maria and Leman. 

Lydia, b. Apr. 18, 1774, d. Jan. 28, 1778. 

Floranna, b. Feb. 20, 1778, m. Corydon Kelsie of Vermont, d. in 1841. 
Mary Ann, b. July 11, 1781, m. Joseph Thompson of West Haven, d. 
Mar. 23,1705. Children: 

Fanny, Cynthia, (m. Sherwood E., Stratton), Louisa, Jeduthun, Charles, George, Lucinda, 
Joseph and Jane. 

Amy, b. July 11, 1783, m. Seth Sherwood Stratton, d. Aug. 6, 1843. 
Daniel, b. Apr. 22, 1785, m. Polly Bennett, d. Mar. 28, 1870, ffi 84y, 11m. 

Children : Sherman Jud.son, m. Aphia E. Wheeler: and Legrand, father of Samuel and Jane 
(m. Ira Beard.sley of Monroe). 

Philander, b. Mar. 24, 1787, m. Sarah Davis, d. Apr. 30, 1859, aged 72. 

Children : Eugene, George, Alfred, Eliza, m. McEwen. 

Henry, b. Oct. 7, 1789, m. Polly Sherman, d. Oct. 27, 1823, aged 33. 

Children: Urzelia, m. Kev. Thomas Clinghau ; Henrietta, m. William Wakeman of New 
Haven ; Walker. 

Hannah, b. Dec. 7, 1791, d. May 20, 1820, aged 28. 

Abia, b. Dec. 7, 1791, d. June 28, 1817, aged 25. 

Lugrand, b. in liidgetield June 1, 1797, d. May 1, 1876, aged 78 y. 11 m. 



LuGRAND Sharp, son of Thomas and Mary, m. Sept. 28, 1823, Olive 
M. Booth, daughter of Ebenezer and Anna Booth of Southford, who d. Mar. 
8, 1804. He purchased a homestead in Southford, where he lived until Apr. 
1843, when he removed to Seymour. Children : 

Mary A., m. John James of Ansonia. 

Olive Maria, m. Albert W. Lounsbury of Seymour. 

Elizabeth, in. Kev. Walter Chamberlin of the Newark Conference. 

Henry, d. in Southford, Apr. 10, 1832, in his second year. 

John Wesley, d. in Seymour, Jan. 29, 1849, aged 16. 

Thomas, m. Lottie McLaiu ; residence, Seymour. 

Daniel Smith, d. in Seymour, Aug. 27, 1849, in his 13th year. 

William Carvosso, m. Viuie A. Lewis of Monroe, residence, Seymour. 

Andrew Benedict, d. in Southford, Nov. 27, 1842, in his 2nd year. 

David Watson, m. Emily [.lewis of Monroe, residence. New Haven. 



GENEALOGY. 209 

Eliak:im Sharp of Monroe, son of Thomas and Mary, m. Nov. 25, 1773, 
Hester Wetmore, b. Sept. 10, 1756, d. in Mar. 1839. Children : 
Andrew, b. Aug. 17, 1775, d. Nov. 20, 1790. 
Betsey, b. Nov. 5, 1776, m. Burr Tomlinson. 
Mabel, b. Oct. 11, 1779. 
Ruth Ann, b. June 10, 1784. 

Lydia Ann, b. Mar. 22, 1788, d. Feb. 7, 1817, buricul in Huntington. 
Mar}, b. Oct. 18, 1789. 
John W., b. Aug. 10, 1791, d. Nov. 7, 1815, in Liverpool, Eng., where 

he had gone in a vain endeavor to recover the family estate. 
Annice, b. Aug. 10, 1791, m. John W. Robert and removed to Ohio. 



Jesse Sharp had children : 

Sally, m Yale. 

John, b. 1090, m. Kate Dawson, d. Oct. 27, 1825. 
\Yilliam, m. the daughter of Moses Beardsley. 
Lydia, m. William Dart. 

Nancy, m Dart, brother to William. 

Hepsey, m. Israel (Jalkins. 

David, went to sea while young and never returned. 

In Vol. 11, p. 120 of Derby Recoids, Jesse Sharp is named a« one of the original proprietors of the 
" Quaker Farms Purchase," and a tract of land was set ott' to him "at a place called Good Hill Kocks, 
on the easterly side of the highway ad,joining the Great River, beginning at Joseph Woost«r's north- 
west corner at sd. river, bearing northerly ninety -two rods to a heap of stone.s on a rock, tlienco cighty- 
tTwo rods easterly to Joseph Twitchell and Joseph Wooster's comer, thence to the bounds begun at one 
hundi'ed and thii-ty-two rods, * * * a middle bound at the end, of sixty rods upon the highway on 
the River, * * * likewise another piece of land Ijdng westerly on higlnvay next to tlie River for the 
purpose of a fishing place, forty-four rods long, bounded at the'north end at a lit tU' brook at butiiut 
tree, with a bowing line to a middle bounds at Wickup tree, thence southirly to a great rock with 
stones on it." Zacii.\kiaii H.wvki.ns, ) 

John Tomi.in.son, >Com't. 

John Holhkook. ) 

John Sharp sold land Jfov. 4, 1807, to "William Sharp as follows : " lying in said Derby at the lower 
end of Paul's Plain .so-called, bounded westcily on Ousatoiiick River, .scmthcrly on a small brook, 
easterly on the Ousattmick Turnpike road A; Xoitlurl\ part on Philo llassctis land A: part on Kus.sel 
TonJinson's land." A .siibsequcut transfer of tliis land is witin^ssd by l>avi<l Sliai]) and IMiilii Hajisett. 
Aug. 16, 1811, John Sharp bought of David Jiidsou " a certaiji piece of land lying in Derby at a place 
called Falls Plain Rocks and isl>ounded West on highway, south on lauds formerly belonging to Russell 
Tomlinson." 

Amy Sharp, dau. of Thomas and Mary, m. Seth Sherwood Stratton of 
Bridgeport. Children : 

Seth Legrand, ra. Nancy Stetson of Boston. Children : 

Joan, Kancy and Jane died young. 

Augusta, m. Marks of Stratford. 

Adaline, m. Maria Hinman. 

Legrand, m. Hubbell. 

George, was in the army; John. 

Sherwood Edward, m. Cynthia, daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann 
(Sharp) Thompson of West Haven. Children : 

Jane, Klizaljelh, Charles S., (Tom Thumb), and William. 

Laurena, m. Shelton B. Stratton. Children : 

Charles T.; Sheltou B.; and Franci.s, m. Daniel Bostwick. 



210 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

Lossena, m. Elijah Peet. Children : 

Laura Ann, m Boach ; Harriet Lo-sena, m. Lemuel Sherman; Jane Eliza, m. Elihn 

Taylor of Easton. 

Daniel, m. Susan Curtiss of Stratford. Children : 

Elizabeth m. Frank Booth of Stratford, and has three children, Freddie, Susan, Flora. 
Edward Curtis. 

Henry T., m. Caroline Mills of Westport, d. Nov. 29, 1874. Children : 

Antoinette Amelia, m. Benjamin Anson Fields ; Frederick Thomas, Emma Caroline, Alice 
Louisa, Frank Sherwood. 



Sherman Shaep, son of Daniel and Pollj, m. Aphia Erameline Wheeler, 
d. in Seymour in Dec, 18(3G. Children : 

Minot, m. Jane Hawkins of Quaker Farms. Children : 

Frank Newton and Carrie Estella. 

Rev. Charles W., graduated at Yale, in 1861, m. Helen Bradford of 
Binghampton, IS". Y.; now principal of Boydton Institute, Boydton,Va. 



TO]\J[LITVSOIV. 

Jonas Tomlinson^, emigrant, settled on Great Hill about 1G80. He had 
two sons, Jonas'^ and Agur^. 



Henry Tomlinson^, son of Jonas'*, m. SybiP, dau. of Agur^ Children 

Elizabeth, m _ _ Thorpe. 

~ Annie, m Nathan Manslield. 

m Giveus. 

in Waters, whose dau. m. Dea. Nehemiah Botsford. 

Patience, in. Yelverton Perry. 

Henry, fir., m. Sally, dau. of Benjamin Davis. 



Henry Tomlinson^, son of Henry and Sybil, m. Sally, dau. of Benjamin 
Davis. Children: 

William, iti. Amy Curtiss. Children : 

Harry and Russell of Bridgeport. 

Sheldon. 

Marcus, m. Polly Driver. Children : 

Sheldon, m. Khoda Farrington of Boston, lived in Charleston, Mass. 
Nathan, Jennette and Rhoda. 

Russell, b. Dec. 23, 1754, d. June 22, 1809. 

Charles. 

Henry. 

Permelia, m. Joseph Vicker. 



CtEXEALOGY. 211 

EUSSELL TOMLINSON^ Esq., of Great Hill, son of Henry and Sally, ni. 
Apr. 20, 1779, Agnes Cortelyou of is'ew Utrecht, L. I., b. Mar. 10, 17G4. 
Lived for a time where Samuel P. Davis now lives. Children : 

Sarah, b. Mar. 14, 1780. 

Isaac, b. May 20, 1782. 

Peter, b. Nov. 18, 1784, ra. Esther Holbrook, d. Dec. 17, 182;?. 

Simon, b. May 22, 1787, m. Charity Hurd, d. Aug. 25, 1818. 

James, b. Aug. 18, 1789, drowned in the llousatonic Apr. 22, 1804. 

Betsey, b. Apr. 29, 1792, m. Charles Bacon. 

Eussell, b. Mar. 27, 1801, m. Sarah Burwell of Brooklield. 

They had one daughter, Mary. 

James C, b. iMar. 4, 1800, m. Laura Tomlinson. 

David Tomlinson, b. Feb. 5, 1778, m. Sei)t. 20, 1779, Sarah'', dan. of 
Eussell Tomliuson, b. Mar. 14, 1780. David Tomlinson died Aug. 3, 1802, 
aged 84 years and months. His wife Sarah died April 10, 1807, aged 87 
years and 1 month. Children : 

Eliza, b. May 4, 1801, m. Elijah Baldwin Jan. 0, 1820, d. June 4, 1822. 
Mary, b. Mar. 5, 1803, d. Oct. 4, 1803. 
David, b. Sept. 1, 1804, m. Nancy Hayes Sept. 24, 1825. 
Augustus, b. Nov. 12, 1800, m. Dorcas English Apr. 17, 1830. 
Jane, b. Nov. 7, 1808, m. 1st, John Lane Nov. 24, 1831; 2nd, Eoger 
Newton Whittelsey Aug. 19, 1838 ; 3rd, Samuel Camp May 15, 1843. 
Charles, b. Nov. 0, 1810, m. Jane, dau. of Sheldon Canlield, Nov. 10, 

1831, d. July 18, 1839. 
Betsey, b. Sept. 21, 1812, m. 1st, Samuel Eussell Apr. 21, 1833; 2nd, 
Edward Eussell Dec. 17, 1849. 

Had one dau., Marj- E., m. BeujaTuiu Bristol Nov. 7, 1878. 

Sarah, b. Dec. 5, 1814, m. John C. Hull July 25, 1830. 

Isaac, b. May 24, 1817, m. Eliza Baytis Oct. 15, 1839, d. Oct. 31, 1853. 

Simon, b. Apr. 11, 1820, m. Maria Lewis Apr. 23, 1843. 



Peter Tomxinson*^, son of Eussell and Agnes, m. Esther Ilolhrook, b. 
Sept. 7, 1783, d. Feb. 10, 1854. Cliildren : 

Williard, b. Aug. 22, 1820, d. Dec. 7, 1832. 
Peter and Edwin, b. Dec. 17, 1823. 



Simon Tomlinson'', son of Eussell and Agnes, m. Aug. 28, 1800, Charity 
Hurd, b. rluly 3, 1780, d. in April, 1842. Children: 

Agnes, b. Jan. 22, 1808, m. George Wagner of Southbury. 

William E., b. Sept. 15, 1809, m. 1st, Phebe, 2nd, Hannah, daughters 

of Edwin Bassett. 
(Catharine A., b. Oct. 5, 1811, m. Wm. Shelton of Ohio. 



212 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

Charles H., b. May 11, 1813, m. Esther, dau. of Wm. Smith, removed to 

Indiana. 
George, b. Sept. 29, 1814, m. Delia, dau. of Arad Skeels of Birmingham. 
Mariette, b. Feb. 2, 1816, m. 1st, Harry Johnson, 2nd, Legrand Bennett. 
Sarah, b. Sept. 22, 1818, m. Charles Benton of Sharon. 



Isaac Tomlinson*^, son of Russell and Agnes, ra. Grace, dau. of Reuben 
Lum. Children : 

Jennette, ni. Sherman Prescott of Xew Haven. 

James, m. Milly Miles of Derby. 

Mary, m. Anson F. Colt of Xew Haven. 

Peter, m Canfield of Derby. 

Betsey, m Canfield of New Haven. 

Isaac, died in childhood. 

James C. Tomlinson*^, son of Russell and Agnes, mai-ried Laura Tora- 
linson. Children : 

Agnes, Elizabeth, V Mary A., Williard, Edward, Isaac, Laura. 
John R., m. Lydia, dau. of Capt. Truman Davis of ITaugatuck. 



Annie Tomlinson*, dau. of Henry^ and Sybil, m. Nathan Mansfield. 
Children : 

Betsy, b. Nov. 30, 1777, ra. Anson Gillette. 
Sally, m. Cyrus Holbrook. 

Had one son, and one daughter who married Benjamin Chatfield. Botli died young. 

Annie m. Wm. Dyer of Berlin, Ct. Had three sous. 
Jared m. Eunice Jennings. Children : 

Stephen, Nathan and Eliza Ann, who m. Ahram Fowler. 



Isaac Tomlinson, m Hawkins. Children : 

Isaac, m. Lucretia Webster of Oxford. 
Grace, ra. Sarauel Lake. Children : 

Jennette, d. unmarried ; George, lives in Now Haven. 

Amnion, m. Hannah 

Silas, ra. Polly Hawkins. 

Truman, b. July 7, 1780, m. Nancy Perry, d. Dec. 25, 184G. 

Laura, ra. David Beecher. 



Truman Tomlinson, son of Isaac, m. Nancy, dau. of Yelverton Perry 
and Patience Tomlinson of Oxford. Mrs. Nancy, d. Nov. 8, 1841. Children : 

Born in Ca.stleton, Vt. 

Ransom, b. Apr. 29, 1808, ra. Nancy Bates of Oxford, d. in July, 1872. 

(Jliildriu : Martha, m. William Kiggs, living in Orange. 



GENEALOGY. 213 

Naucy, ni. — WoUV, livin-t In llolioken, N. J. 

Perry, m. Emma , liviii}; iu Portliiiul, Oroj;ou. 

Mary, b. Jan. 16, 1810, m. Joel K. Chatfield. Chiklieu : 

John, m. Anna Leigh. 

Edwin, m. Kate Tomlinson. 

Hiram. 

Ean.som, m. Sarah, dau. of ■William (Mlyard. 

Mary. 

Charlotte, m. Jerred Kimberly. 

Hattie. 

Joel, m. Keast. 

Emily, b. Jan. 24, 1812, m. Capt. Philo Holbrook, d. in Nov. 1859. 

Children : Frederick, m. Dotha Kimberly. 

Andrew. 

Royal. 

Julia, m. Howard F. Moshior. 

Philo, Jr., living in Oregon. 

Daniel. 

Nebraska. 

Hermon. 

Harrison, b. Apr. 25, 1814, ni. Jan. 14, 1841, Emerett, dau. of Capt. 
Truman Davis of Naugatuck, d. Nov. 25, 1855. Children : 

Mary, Emma S., Hattie, m. Horace D. Chatfield ot Bii-min;ibam ; Clara and Henry Harri- 
son, died in infancy. 

Laura, b. Aug. 4, 1810, m. George Bassett of Seymour, d. iu ^feriden 
Mar. 25, 1855. 

Born in Monckton, Vermont. 

Minerva, b. Dec. 7, 1818, m. Benjamin Nichols of Oxford. Children : 

Nancy M., m. George A., Tomlin.son of Ans(mia. 
Arthur, died in infancy. 
John, unmarried. 

Born in Oxford, Ct. 

John Givens, b. Mar. 23, 1821, resides in Portland, Oregon. 



One Jonas Tomlinson d. Oct. 2, 1796. One Agur had a negro slave Feb. 
7, 1791. D. E.i'-i 139. 



Levi Tomlinson, Escj., m. Amelia Children 

Urania, d. Oct. 1, 1794, aged 1 year and 11 months. 

Amelia, d. Sept. 29, 1794, aged 16 years. 

Levi, d. Sept. 23, 1794, aged 9 years. 

Phebe, May 11, 1794, aged 3 years and 10 months. 



p E p^ R- ^Y" . 

Arthur Perry' came to Stratford about 1075 and mamed Anna, only 
daughter of Joshua Judson, about 1070. He had thirteen children, viz.: 
William, b. in June, 1677. 
Anna, b. in Jan., 1079. 



214 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

Samuel, b. in Feb., 1681, m. Elizabeth 

Sarah, b. in Jan., 1682. 

Elizabeth, b. in Sept., 1684. 

Yelverton, b. in Aug., 1686. 

Seth, b. in Jan., 1688. 

Ruth, b. in May, 1690. 

Daniel, b. in Apr., 1692. 

Joshua, b. in Dec, 1694, d. at Ripton in 1688. 

Caleb, b. in Aug., 1696. 

Deborah, b. in Mar., 1698. 

Josiah, b. in Aug., 1699. 
It is thought that the Arthur above mentioned was a son of Arthur Peri7 
of Boston, 1638 to 1652, born too near his father's death to be mentioned in 
his will. 



Samuel Perry*, son of Arthur, born in Stratford, ra. Elizabeth 

had a son Abner^, who had a son Caleb^, the father of Yelverton Perry^, m. 

1st, Hawley of Huntington, by whom he had one daughter, Sally, who 

man-ied Silas Hawkins of Oxford ; 2nd, Patience, dau. of Henry and Sybil 
Tomlinson of Derby, by whom he had four sons and three daughters, John^, 
Frederic^, Hermon'', Azariah Hawley^, Laura" and Nancy*^, b. Oct. 1, 1783, 
d. Nov. 8, 1841. 



John Perry'', b. in Oxford, Oct. 19, 1767, married Anna Beardsley, who 
died Nov. 26, 1836. He died March 13, 1852. Childi-en : 

Charles^, b. Apr. 24, 1796, in Oxford, d. in fall of 1861. Married Mary 
Ann Paine. Children : 

Frederick, Charles, Han-iet, Adam Clark. All dead but youngest. 

Philo^, b. Feb. 11, 1798, drowned June 12, 1800. 

John^ b. Nov. 12, 1801, d. July 15, 1839, leaving one child, 

Charles, b. Sept. 20, 1835, d. Sept. 12, 1842. 

Nancy', b. Sept. 3, 1803, m. Cornelius Pugsley of Stamford, Dutchess 
CO., N. Y., Sept. 14, 1831. Children : 

Henry, Cornelia, Van Allen, .Jacob, Charles. 



Frederick Perry'', of Southbury, m. Mary Strong. Cliildren : 
Andrew, resides at Southbury, unmarried. 

Betsy, m. Smith, then Osborne. Left no children. Died in 

Southbury in 1874. 
Charles, m. Maria Curtiss of Southbury. 

Had one son, Hermou, who married Josephine Mitchell of South Britain. 

Sophia, m. Raymond. 

Dau. Mary, m. Stone ot Southbury. 



GENEALOGY. 2 

Hermon Perry^, of Baltimore, Md., m. Susannah Henry. Children 
Ilermon, died unmarried. 
William, died unmarried. 

Albert, ra. Lake. 

Susannah, m. Geo. W. Waters. 



Laura Perry*^, m. David Smith of Kent, Ct., removed to Dutchess 



AZARIAH Hawley Perry*^, bom in Oxford Sept. 21, 1780, m. Mar. «, 
1809, Polly Leavenworth, b. Aug. 27, 1789, in Huntington. He died Nov. 
21, 182G. She died May 31, 1871. Had one child, Jane', b. in Huntington, 
Mar. 11, 1811, m. David Sheltou of Huntington May 4, 1830. David Shel- 
ton died June 2, 1872. They had one daughter, Mary Jane**, born Feb. 8, 
1833, who married Edwin Wooster of Birmingham May 23, 18G0 ; died 
June 4, 1864. Edwin Wooster was drowned in the Housatonic river near 
Birmingham, Apr. 20, 187G. 



Nancy Perry^, m. Truman Tomlinson. See Tomlinson Genealogy. 



IiL I IV ]V E Y . 

Ebenezer Kinney, b. in 1718, m. Betty Davis Dec. 7, 1738. He died 
Jan. 10, 1795. She died in Nov., 1784. Children : 
Lucy, b. Dec. 3, 1739, d. Nov. 27, 18G1. 
Comfort, b. Oct. 11, 1741, d. May 2, 1771. 
Eunice, b. Aug. 31, 1743. 
Betty, b. Sept. 20, 1745. 
Sarah, b. Oct. 3,' 1748. 
Ebenezer, b. Oct. 27, 1750, d. in May, 1777. 
Abigail, b. Feb. 11, 1753, d. Oct. 4, 17G9. 
Ethel, b. Mar. 17, 1755, d. in Oct., 1838, aged 82 years. 
William, b. July IG, 1757, d. Jan. 7, 1845, aged 87. 
Medad, b. May 31, 1759, d. in May, 1794, aged 35 years. 
Lucy, b. Sept. 20, 1761. D. II.'""'' p. 7. 

William Kinney, son of Ebenezer, m. Millie Steele, b. Dec. 15, 17G0, 
d. Mar. 9, 1827. Children : 

Ebenezer, b. Nov. 28, 1779, m. Betsey Buckingham, d. Apr. 2, 1851. 
She d. Dec. 29, 1846. 



216 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

Sheldon, b. Oct. 12, 1781, m. Esther, dau. of Daniel Canfield, d. June 
13, 1873, aged 91 y. and 8 m. She was b. Mar. 6, 1790, d. May 30, 1852. 

William, b. Aug. 20, 1783, m. Anna Smith, d. June 25, 1856. She 
died Sept. 28, 1867, aged 76 years. 

Betsey, b. Sept. 10, 1785, ra. Anson Chatfield, d. June 28, 1863. 

Clulilien: Divine, Marietta, Susan. 

Sally, b. Nov. 10, 1787, m. Sheldon Nichols, d. Oct. 25, 1863. Children: 

Sheldon, "William, Lucena. 

Isaac, b. Feb. 13, 1790, d. Aug. 18, 1875. 

Lucinda. b. Oct. 2, 1792, in. Capt. William Lum, d. Aug. 9, 1825. 
Medad, b. Dec. 18, 1794, m. Rebecca White, d. Feb. 6, 1830. She died 
May 2, 1826, aged 32. Children: 

Koswell, Mary, Polly, Ann, John. 



Ebenezer Kinney, son of William, m. Betsey Buckingham, b. Apr. 19, 
1783. Children: 

Betsey M., b. Jan. 29, 1804, m. Jeremiah Durand. 
William, b. Sept. 27, 1806, d. Jan. 1, 1847. 
George, b. Nov. 2, 1816, d. Oct. 16, 1847. 
Lester B., b. Feb. 4, 1819. 



William Kinney, son of William, m. Anna Smith. Lived in the house 
on Hill St., now occupied by John Kelleher. Children : 
Mary Jane, m. James Johnson of Bridgeport. 
Sarah Grace, m. Isaac White, lived in Derby. 
Miranda, m. Clark Lum of New Haven. 
Esther Ann, m. Medad K. Tucker. 



Dea. Isaac Kinney, son of William and Mille, m. 1st, Polly Durand, b. 
July 3, 1796, d. Sept. 23, 1827; 2nd, Dec. 16, 1828, Anna Church, b. Sept. 
20, 1803, d. Jan. 24, 1868. Children : 

Isaac Heber, b. Mar. 7, 1830, d. Feb. 13, 1851. 

Charles D., b. Mar. 27, 1832, living in New Haven. 

Frederick C, b. Nov. 28, 1836, died July 30, 1854. 



Charles D. Kinney, son of Isaac and Anna, ra. 1st, Jan. 25, 1857, 
Martha J. Wilder, b. Dec. 3, 1835, d. Oct. 23, 1871 ; 2nd, July 16, 1874, 
Ella A. Burwell. Childi-en : 

Frederick N., b. Feb. 2, 1860. 

Charles H,, b. Feb. 17, 1866. 



GENEALOGY. 217 

JosiAH LoUNSBURY came from Rye, Westchester co., N. T., to New 
Haven, m. Ruth Lines May 7, 1724, removed to Bethany, lived nearly oppo- 
site where Wm, Lounsbnry now lives. Children : 

Timothy*, m. Hannah Smith and lived to be 80 years of age. Children : 

, a boy, iliod young. 

Timothy, 

Eri, 

Lucy, m. James Hotchkisa, moved to Homer. N. Y. 

Eunice, m. Truman Prince, hiui but one child, Castlo, died young. 

Stephen''', m. Sperry. Children : 

Elias, m. Ist, Appalina Judd, "Jnd, Mary Perkins. 
Hezekiah, father of Mra. Thomas Cochran. 
Poany and Irena. 

John'^, b. Jan. 18, 172*, m. Ruth Perkins Apr. 4. 1751. Children : 

Jairus, b. Jan. 14, 1752. 
Benjamin, b. Apr. 11, 1753. 
Richard, b. Aug. 20, 1754. 
Ethal, went west. 
Ethan, d. a bachelor. 

Mary^ b. Feb. 12, 172'. 

Josiah^ b. Aug. 5, 1729. Children : 

Linus, m. Prudence Scott. Children : 

Josiah, father of Kansoni, Calvin, Obadiah, Ancel. 
Amelia, m. Daniel Davis. 
Esther, m. Edmund Mallory of Hulfs Hill. 
Patty, m. Titus Smith. 

SaraueP, was a soldier of the Revolution, died in Farmington over 80 

years of age. 
Ruth^, m. Tolles. 



Timothy Lounsbury^, son of Timothy^ and Hannah, in. Hannah French. 
Timothy lived to be nearly 86 years of age, his wife nearly 70. Children : 
Dorcas*, m. Jabez Wilcox. 
Timothy, m. IMary Ann Clark. 
Lewis, m. Charity, dau. of Amos Clark of Nyumphs. 
Daniel, m. Sarah, dau. of David Wooding of Jiethany. 
Jesse, m. Bede, dau- of Jesse Bradley of Bethany. 
Hannah, m. Herschel Sanford of Prospect 
Smith, m. Jennette Tomlinson. 
Allen, m. Maria, dau. of Elam Cook of Cheshire. 
Eunice, m. 1st, Vincent Brown, 2nd, McDonald Fisher. 
Mary, in. Burritt Hitchcock, sou of Timothy. 
Dr. John of Oxford, m. Mary, dau. of Wm. Church. Children : 

Emma, Tully. 

George, m. Austin of Prospect. 



218 ^ HISTOEY OF SEYMOUE. 

Eri, m. Sally Carrington. Children : 

Polly, Sarah, Eobecca, Abraham, Lucy, Isaac, Lucretia, Harriet, William, Harlo. 
The preceding portion of the Lounshury genealogy was furnished by Dr. John Lounsbury of Oxford. 



Jairus Lounsbury was said by his sons to have come from Vermont to 
New Haven and settled near where the jail now stands. He married Amelia 
Chapman who died at the age of 83 years. He was in the Eevolutionary 
service, and died aged 96. Children : 

Collins*, b. July 19, 1783, m. and lived in Vermont, d. aged 80. 
Clarissa, b. Feb. 11, 1791, m. John Gamsby. Children: 

Albert, John Henderson, AKiod, Edwin, Sarah, Lucius. 

Betsey, b. Oct. 11, 1794, m. Harvey Finch. Child: 

Crownage. 

Victory, b. Sept. 8, 1795, m. Loraine Baldwin. 

Sally, b. Apr. 13, 1800, m. Eussell Moulton. Children : 

Ann Jiilia, m. Elijah Losee of Norwich. 
Amanda, m. Capt. Alden Powers. Children : 

Fi-ank, Sarah, Luthera, Benjamin. 
Benjamin, shot in San Francisco, Cal. 
Mary. 

Crownage, b. May 20, 1803, m. Samantha Hotchkiss, d. Feb. 28, 1879, 
aged 76 years. She died Feb. 28, 1877. Children : 

William H., m. Jiilia Ann Ladue of Mattawan. Child, Jennie. 

Mark, m. Ann Webster of Thompson vUle. Children : Annette Eliza, Etta Maria, Norman 

Webster. 
Sarah, m. Chauncey Hooker, near Holyoke, Mass. 

David, b. Aug. 15, 1805, m. Jane Patchen died in New Haven April 1, 

1877, aged 72 years. Children : 

Lewis, Martha, Eliza, Mary, Maria. 

Probably Jairus was the son of John, (2), of Bethany and went from there to Vermont, where he mar- 
ried Miss Chapman, whose father was killed by the Indians when she was an infant. 



Victory Lounsbury, son of Jairus and Amelia, m. Loraine, dau. of 
James and Sarah Baldwin, who d. Nov. 25, 1868, aged 73 y. and 8 m. Children: 
Fanny, b. Feb. 2, 1817, m. Byron Tucker. Child: 

LiUie, m. Oscar L. Woodruft'; child, Bernico. 

George W., b. Aug. 27, 1819. 

John, b. Sept. 8, 1821, m. Lucinda Summers. Child : 

Gertrude, m. Matthias Smith ; child, Maud Lizette. 

Charles W., b. Jan. 23, 1824, d. Oct. 13, 1826. 
Albert W., b. Jan. 6, 1826, m. Olive Maria Sharpe. 
Henry W , b. June 29,, 1829, m. Dec. 20, 1850, Mary A., dau. of Ben- 
jamin and Harriett Bradley of New Haven, d. Aug. 14, 1862. Children: 

Charles, living in New Haven, Mich. 

Harriet Jane, m. July 22, 1874, David Evans, Jr. 

Children : David Otis and Benjamin Bradley. 
Edward Benjamin. 

Jane, b. Nov. 6, 1832, m. Lucius Canfield of New Haven, Mich. 

Children : Alauson, Horatio, Oscar. 



GENEALOGY. 1>1U 

Mary, b. Feb. 8, 1834, m. David W. Kiggs of Piuesbridge. Children : 

Francis, m. H.arris Osborne. 

Fred O., m. Sarah labeU, who d. in Apr., 1879. 

Ehncr, Edward, Dudley. 

Sarah, b. Dec. 12, 183G, m. John H. IMiller, d. May 2, 18G7. Chihlren: 

George B., d. Aug. 2, ltC7, aged :i year.s ; Kda. 

Charles, b. Sept. 4, 1838, d. Sept. 15, 1850. 

Ellen, b. Sept. 14, 1843, m. Frank Convretto, d. Apr. 12, 1878, aged 34 
years. Children : 

Arthui' B., Alice B., d. in July, 1S73, aged 11 months. 



Elias Lounsbury^, son of Stephen^, m. 1st, Appolina Judd. (;iiild: 

Elias, father of Elizur of Westville. 
MaiTied, 2nd, Mary Perkins. Children: 

Major, Newel, Marliu, Belus, Ursula. 



T U C Iv E R, . 

Daniel Tucker came from Long Island, m. Elizabeth . Cliildren : 

Capt. Ruben, b. Mar. 1, 174|. 
Gideon, b. Apr. 17, 1740. 
Joseph, b. July 1, 1748. 
Zephaniah, b. in 1759. 

Zephaniah Tucker, blacksmith, lived uptown, Derby, d. Sept. 18, 1848, 
aged 89 years. Children : 

Sheldon, b. Mar. 6, 1780, d. Jan. 5, 1843. 
Anna, b. Nov. 27, 1783, m. Edmund Steele. 
Betsey, m. ]lev. Nathaniel G. Huntington. 



Sheldon Tucker, m. Nancy Kinney, b. Nov. 23, 1793, d. Sept. 19, 
1831. Children: 

Medad K., b. Jan. 28, 1815. 

Mariah A., b. Sept. 23, 1819, m. Isaac B. Davis. 

Sheldon, b. Mar. 6, 1824, d. Aug. 18, 1825. 



Medad K. Tucker, son of Sheldon, m. Esther A. Kinney. Uas one sou, 
Sheldon, m. Mary E., dau. of Tlenry B. Beecher. 



220 HISTORY OF SEYMOUE. 

HITCH CO cm:. 

Ebenezer Hitchcock* of New Haven, in. Rebecca Thomas, Mar. 23, 
1747. Their son, Timothy^ was bom Nov. 8, 1748. 



Timothy Hitchcock^ of Bethany, son of Ebenezer and 2ebecca, in. 

Abigail , who d. aged 99 years and 7 months. He d. Aug. 5, 1820, 

aged 72. Children : 

Timothy. 

Denzil H., b. Dec. 7, 1786, d. Jan. 24, 1850, aged 63. 

Clark, m. Abigail Perkins, removed to Baltimore. 

Abigail, d. in 1873, unmarried. 

Anna, m. Dilavan Wooster of Watertown. 

Elizabeth, ra. Darius Driver of Bethany, 

Thyra, m. Arlon Hine, removed to Cleveland, Ohio. 

Lydia, m. Samuel Driver of Bethany. 

The following inscription from a Bible shows the excellent character of the writer : 

" This Bible is the Gift of Timothy and Abigail Hitchcock to their son Denzil Hitchcock, who was 
bom Dec. 7th, A. D., 1786, in the Parish of Bethany, town of Woodbridge, county of New Haven and 
State of Connecticut. , . , 

" My son, I beseech you not to let this Book lie by you neglected ; read it yr-t-2. caro sua Jittsntion ; 
meditate on the truths and doctrines it contains with del'ight ; and endeavor to goveru your life and con- 
versation agreeable thereto. . . . t. . 

"That God may grant you Grace to avoid sin; Patience under trials ; quiet resignation to Provi- 
dence ; A Prosperous life ; and a happy Eternity, is the earnest Prayer of your Affectionate Father, 
Timotiiy Hitchcock." 

Denzil Hitchcock', son of Timothy', m. Betsey, dau. of Elias Carring- 
ton of Miiford. Children : 

Henry Nelson, d. Mar. 25, 1825, aged 2J years. 
Henrietta. 

Sarah C, m. 1st, Oct. 24, 1847, Bernard Humphreys, who d. Jan, 9, 
1854; 2nd, George B. Robinson Dec. 4, 1854. 

Bernard Humphreys bought out Albert Steele's cabinet business and at one time was ongaged in 
papermaking in company with Andrew De Forest. 

Timothy Hitchcock^, b. in August, 1781, m, Ist^ Eayner Twitchell; 
2nd5 Mrs. Amanda Bassett; d. in New Haven Dec. 5, 1873, iiged £7 y. and 
4 m. Children : 

Sheldon, m. dau. of Capt. Auger of New Kaven, d in New 

Haven in Aug., 1877. 
Burritt, m Mary, dau. of Dr. Timothy Lounsbury, of Bethany. Resi- 
dence, New Haven. 
Sarah, m. Clark Webster of Oxford. 
Lucinda, m. Joel Chatfieid. Children r 

• Clark and Lucinda. 



Jonathan Hitchcock m. Abigail Beecher Jan. 21, 1747. 
Samuel Hitchcock m. Ann Johnson Jan. 20, 174|. Child: 

Samuel, b. -Juno 8, 1750. D. E., Vol. 6, p. 2. 



GENEALOGY. 2L'l 

B E E CHER. 

A :Mr. Boecher, with his wife and son, from county Kent, En^hmd, is said 
to have embarked in tlie first ship which brought emi.i,n-ants to New Haven". 
{The first settlers came overhmd from Massachusetts.) He died before the 
vessel sailed. His wife was persuaded by the other emigrants to ccmtinue 
with the company, with her son Isaac, from whom all the New JIaven families 
of the name are said to have descended, and from whence the name has 
spread throughout the country, numbering among the direct descendants the 
Eev. Henry Ward Beecher of Brooklyn. For her services as physician and 
midwife, the first Mrs. Beecher had a portion of land voted to her by the town 
of New Haven, which remained in the family until quite recently. Ou a part 
of it the City Hospital now stands. 



John Beecher, lived in New Haven. (Children : 

John, b. Aug. 9, 1671. Jemima, b. Feb. 11, 1681. 

Mary, b. Feb. 23, 1672. Joseph, b. Feb. 13, 1683. 

Johanna, b. July 21, 1677. Ebenezer, b. Apr. 12, 1686. 



Joseph Beecher, son of John, lived in New Haven. Children : 
Allis, b. Jan. 28, 1695. Hezekiah, b. June 14, 1703. 

Joseph, b. Nov. 22, 1698. Nathaniel, b. Mar. 7, 1706. 

Lydia, b. Feb. 15, 1700. Eliphalet, b. May 31, 1711. 



Joseph Beecher, 2ud, m. Sarah Ford May 15, 1729, lived in New 
Haven. Children: 

Joseph, b. Feb. 14, 173^, m. Esther Potter Fob. 28, 1754. 

Moses, b. Feb. 2, 1732. 

Timothy, b. Feb. 8, 173|. 

Abel, b. Nov. 17, 1737. 

Titus, b. July 5, 1740. 

Amos, b. June 10, 1743. 

X.-w Iliiwn Ttoronls. Vol. 1. 

Isaac Beecher of Derby, m. Hannah Ball, d. in Sept., 1789. Child : 
Mary, b. July 3, 1775, m. John Riggs Jan. 1, 1793, d. Dec. 1(), 1827. 



Ezra Beecher of West Haven m. Mary Trowbridge, who died in South- 
bury aged 92 years. His son, Nathaniel, ni. Dinah Smith of West Haven 
and lived in Southbury. 



222 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

Lewis Beecher, son of Nathaniel and Dinah, m. Martha Peck. Children: 
Louis L., m. Polly Fairchild, lived in New Haven. 

Sarah M., ra. Bartholomew, lived in New Haven. 

Henry B., auger manufacturer of Seymour. 

Eliza A., m. Major Russell Norton of New Haven. 

Mary J., m. George Fowler of New Haven. Child : 

Fivderick, ni. Mary Root. 

Henry B. Beecher, son of Lewis and Martha, m. 1st, Betsey A. 
White ; 2nd, Mary Fairchild. Children : 

Ann, m. William W. Joy of Ansonia. Children : 

Predericli aud Willie. 

Frank H., m. Nellie A. Thompson. 
Mary E., ra, Sheldon Tucker of Seymour. 



STEELE. 

AJJWTIONAL. 

Walter W. Steele of Ansonia, son of William Steele, b. Jan. 28, 
1824. m. Mary E. Carter of Wolcott, Sept. 23, 1850. He died Sept. 20, 
1874. Children : 

Arthur Willis, b. Mar. 18, 1852, d. Aug. 24, 1852. 

Mary Frances, b. Apr. 5, 1855. 

Truman Bradford, b. Aug. 21, 1858. . 



JO Hivt*; oiv. 

ADDITIONAL. 

Hezekiah Johnson ra. Dec. 12, 1784, Rebecca Tuttle, dau. of Abraham 
and Elizabeth Tuttle, b. Feb. 14, 1756, d. May 1, 1830. Hezekiah, b. Nov. 
6, 1749, d. Nov. 15, 1826. 

Newel Johnson, son of Hezekiah and Rebecca, b. May 22, 1788, d. 
June 11, 1879 ; m. 1st, Oct. 21, 1809, Betsey, dau. of Benjamin and Martha 
Molthrop, who d. Feb. 7, 1810; 2nd, Sept. 2, 1810, Esther Carrington, dau. 
of Elias and Content Carrington of Milford, who d. Mar. 9, 1866. He re- 
moved from Humphreysville to Westville in 1833. Children : 

Sheldon N., b. May 5, 1811, d. Jan. 27, 1853. 

Betsey Julia, b. May 1, 1813, d. July 6, 1872. 

Richard Miles, b. Nov. 8, 1814, d. Jan. 26, 1874. 

Esther Ann, b. Apr. 7, 1817. 

Almira Minerva, b. Jan. 6, 1821. 

Eliza Augusta, b. Sept. 10, 1836. 



GENEALOGY. 223 



Samuel Wooster, m. Mary . Chiklreii 

Nathaniel, b. Nov. 25, 17G1, d. Nov. 24, ISoa. 

Milton, m. Welton. 

Dilavan, ra. Anna, dau. of Timothy Hitchcock. 

Josiah, m. Elizabeth Terrill. 

Philo, m. Sarah, dau. of Philo Hawkins. 



Nathaniel Wooster of Quaker Farms, son of Samuel and Mary, ra. 

FiBb. o, 1788, Charity , b. July 20, 1707. Children : 

Mamie, b. Sept. 23, 1788. 

Grace, b. Jan. 9, 1791, m. John Smith. 

Anna Maria, b. Nov. 13, 1793; d. Oct. 29, 1794. 

Bennett, b. Oct. 13, 1795; m. Sarah, dau. of Truman Bassett. Child: 

Charles B., m. Mary A. Booth. Residence, New Ilaveu. 

Clarissa Maria, b.Mar. 4,1790, in. Lewis Buckingham of Oxford. Children: 

Mark, living in Ansonia. 

Martha, m. Styles French of New Haven. 

Henrietta, went west. 

Henry. 

Joel, killed in the war of the rebellion. 

Nathan R., b. Nov. 18, 1810, m. Antoinette, dau. of Truman Bassett. 
Mark, b. Jan. 20, 1815, d. July 2, 1839. 



Grace Wooster, dau. of Nathaniel and Charity, m. John Smith of 
Quaker Farms. Childi'en: 

Edwin, ra. Betsey A., dau. of Harvey Johnson of Ansonia. Residence, 
Seymour. Child : 

Fi-ances, m. Robert N. Smith. 

Lucy, died young. 

Mary, m. Joel Wheeler of Oxford. 

Laura. 

Bennett, died young. 

George, m. , dau. of Luther Moulthrop. Residence, Ansonia. 



B A L I> >V I IV . 

A1>1)1TI0N.\L. 

James Baldwin ra. Sarah Perkins. Children : 
Elias. 
Anson. 

Stephen, m. Betsey Hubbell. 
Loraine, m. Victory Lounsbury. 

Jesse, m. Jane, dau. of Capt. Isaac Botsford. Child : Jabez. 
Charlotte. 



224 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

Stephen Bajld WIN, son of James and Sarah, m. Betsey Hubbell. Children 
George R., m. Emily Grace Sperry of Oxford. 

Eliza Ann, m. 1st, Lewis Williams of Nangatuck; 2nd, Jabez Pritchard. 
Lucy Jane, m. Hobart Churchill of Waterbury. • 

Sarah Maria, m. Robert Twitcliell of Naugatuck. 
Frederick L., ni. Addie Way, lives in Oxford. 



Mathew Moulthrop, m, Jane and removed from New Haven 

to Sterrey River in 1662. Children : 
Mathew, Jr., m. Hannah Tompson. 
Elizabeth, m. John Gregory in 1663. 
Marv. 



Mathew Moulthrop, 2nd, m. Hannah Tompson in 1662. Children : 
Hannah, b. Apr. 20, 1665. 
John, b. Feb. 5, 1667, m. Abigail Bradley. 
Matthew, 3rd, b. July 18, 1670. 
Lydia, b.' Aug. 8, 1674. 
Samuel, b. Apr. 13, 1679. 
Keziah, b. Apr. 12, 1682. 



John Moulthrop^, m. Abigail Bradley June 29, 1692. Children : 
Abigail, b. Aug. 12, 1693. 
John^ b. Mar. 17, 1696. 
Mary, b. in 1698. 

Sarah, b. in 1701, m. Adonijah Morris, 
Dan'*, b.Dec. 1, 1703; ra. 1st, Hannah Belcher, 2nd, Lydia How. Children: 

Dan, Charles, lost at sea; Timothy; Hannah m. Israel Lindsley ; Euos, Enoch; Sarah, m. 
Elisha Andreas ; Eli, m. Mary Moulthrop ; Lydia ; Mabel. 

Israel*, b. June 7, 1706. 
Joseph and Timothy. 



John Moulthrop*, m. Sarah . Children : 

John^, Stephen, Mehitabel. 

Sarah, m. 1st, Timothy Russell, 2nd, John Pardee. 

Mary, m. .Tohn Dawson, Jr. 

Abigail, m. Dan Goodsell. 



GEXKAUKIY. 
John Moultiirop\ m. Al)i<rail Holt. Children : 
Davi(l«, m. Hepsibah Hotehkiss. Child: David". 
John. 
Keuben, ni Hannah Street Nov. 18, 17;>2. Chihlren: 

Daiiifl Bowoii, Maria, Clarissa, Daniel, Delia, Svclncv, lieubou. 



Enoch Moulthrop\ son of Dan*, m. Mary Hotchkiss. Children: 
Dan, Lydia, ^lary. lictsey, Silas, Timothy. 

Israel iMoULTHKop', m. J.ydia I'age. Children: 
iSaniuel, ni. Sarah Dennison. 
Jacob, died in the French war. 
Timothy; Lydia, m. John Fnller in 17(10. 
Loris, m. Charles Paye in 17(5."). 

Samuel Moulthrop, m. Sarah J^ennison. Children: 

Josiah, b. May 30, 1754, m. Mrs. Lydia Smith July 4, 179L'. Childien : 

Desire, b. Apr. l(i, I'm-. Jared, b. JtlnT. i), 17!».'".; Samuel K., b. May ."., 1797, 

Desire, b. Nov. Ki, 1756, m. Moses Tompson in 1775. 
Jared, b. Jan. 20, 1759. 

Jacob, b. Aug. 29, 17G2, in. 1st, Abigail Pardee; 2nd, Elizabeth Good- 
rich. Children : 

Abiijail, Betsev, Eunice, Leonard, Jiela, Sarah, Damaris. 

Sarah, b. Aug.' i;i, 1764. 
Mercy, b. Sept. 9, 1767. 
Lydia, b. Aug. 7, 1769. 
Samuel, b. Sept. 1, 1773. 
James, b. Oct. 14, 1776. 
Israel, b. in Sept., 1779. 

Joseph MoULTHROP, m. Mary Wheden. Children: Klihu, Jude ; 
Adonijah, lost in French war ; ILannah, Khoda, Mary, Lucretia, Abigail. 



Joseph Moulthop, m. Lucretia liradley in 1766. Children: Al>ijah, 
Joseph, Jared, Khoda, Irene, Chauncey. 



Elihu MoulthROP, m. Mary . Children: Jared, Polly, Adonijah, 

Elihu; Esther and Matthew, 3r(l, who m. Mary . Children: 

Jane, b. Dec. 13, 1694, m. Thomas Hodge; Matthew, b. in Sept., 1696; 
Joseph, b. in Oct., 1(J98; -Mary, b. June 1, 1701, m. Gideon Potter; Martha, 
b. Feb. 18,1703; Mathew, b. Feb. 1, 1705; benjamin, b. Mar. 2, 1707; 
Asher, b. .Jan. 28, 1710; Dorothy, b. Dec 1. 1712, m. Isaac Granniss. 



220 HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

Mathew Moulthrop, 4:th, 111. Sarah Granniss. Children : Thankful, b. 
in Kov., 1728; Joseph, b. in Dec, 1730; Sarah, b. in Jan., 1732; Mabel, b. Sept. 
6, 1735; Mathew, b. Kov. 9, 1743; 2ntl wife, Hannah Way, had David, b. 
March 23, 1748. David, m. Rachel Swayne. Children: John, Martin, 
Major, Polly, Swayne. 

Benjamin Moulthrop, son of Elihu, had Benjamin July 20, 1735, 
Elizabeth, Mary, Benjamin. / 

Benjamin Moulthrop, Jr., m. Thankful Granniss in July, 17C1. 
Children : 

Benjamin. 

Seba, b. Nov. 23, 1770, d. July 8, 1831, aged 00. 

Mary and Elizabeth. 



Seba Moulthrop, son of Benjamin and Thankful, m. Catharine Fowler, 
b. Aug. 10, 1780, d. May 22, 1850. He built the hotel, or tavern, as it was 
then called, corner of Hill and Pearl streets, in 1812, and kept it about twenty 
years, when he died. Children: 

William Fowler, b. Aug. 3, 1708, m. Eunice Bassett Sept. 2, 1821, d. 
in April, 1804. 

Luther, b. :N^ov. 17, 1800, d. in 1800, m. Jennet Candee Dec. 19, 1830. 

Huldah, b. Jan. 20, 1803 m. Jan. 19, 1852. 

Mary, b. June 28, 1800, m. Amos Wheeler Apr. 24, 1825. 

Clark, b. Dec. 0, 1812. 

Betsey, b. Sept. 8, 1820, d. Aug. 5, 1847. 

Grannis, b. :N^ov. 17, 1822. 



Huldah Moulthrop m. Isaac Rowe Apr. 4, 1824. Isaac Rowe, Sr., 
and his twin brother Fred, born Aug. 10, 1 799, came from Brattleboro, Vt., 
with Gen. Humphrey in 1811. Isaac was born Ang. 10, 1799; di'owned in 
Lake St. Clair, Mich., Dec. 15, 1830. Children: 

Huldah Keziah, b. Feb. 17, 1825, d. Oct. 20, 1873. 

Isaac Thomas, b. Sept. 22, 1828; m. Sarah A. McGraw in Seymour 

Mar. l(j, 1851. 
Catharine, b. Jan. 4, 1831; m. George S. Wyant Dec. 24, 1850. Children: 

Frauk H., Eugene A., m. Mary Hard; Helen I., d. Apr. 17, 1859: Nettie E., George E. 




^^^1^^/ '^d^^ 



SHELT>01V CT^AI^K:, JE S Q 



Condensed from a gketch by I'rof. Hillimaii kindbj loaned for the pnrjiose by the Secretary of Yale. CoUeije. 

A little beyond our northern boundary, in Cliestnut-tree Hill, is n tract 
of land owned by Yale College, given by one who is well worthy of a sketch in 
these pages. Sheldon Clark, a brother of Mrs. Abiram Stoddard of Seymour, 
was born in Oxford Jan. 31, 1785, and died April 10, 1840, aged 55 years. His 
father died when he was very young and he was adopt(Ml by his grandfather, 
Thomas (Jlark, Es([., with whom he remained until the death of this venerable 
ancestor at the age of S2, April 5, 1811. The grandson wished to obtain a 
liberal education, but his grandfather disapproved of such a courst^ as a waste 
of time and money, and lie had no extraordinary opportunities for education 
except about a year at South Farms, in Litchfield, in 1805 and 180f>. But 
his active mind prompted him to diligently read such books as he could ob- 
tain and thus cultivated habits of intellectual exercise and indepeudciuce of 
character. The death of his grandfather left him free to pursue such a course 
as his own judgment dictated, and he applied for advice to Prof. Silliman of 
Yale College and passed the autumn and winter of 1811-12 in a coiu'se of 
study in connection with the recitations and discussions of President Dwight. 
Among his numerous manuscripts is one dated January, 1812, giving an ac- 
count of a dream or vision of the general judgement. The language is 
elevated and beautiful and the imagery splendid and sublime. It is remark- 
able for deep seriousness and reverence for the heavenly world. Ten years 
later he called on Prof. Silliman and stated that the twenty thousand dollars 
left him by his grandfather he had by industry and economy increased to 
twenty-five thousand, that he had no family, and might never have one, and 
that he was disposed to appropriate at least a part of his estate to the encour- 
agement of learning. lie therefore deposited $5,000, to be placed at com- 
pound intert-st until it should amount to a sufiicient sum for th(; establishment 
of the Clark protViSsorship. In 1824 he gave $1,000 for the puii)ose of estab- 
lishing a scholarship. This new instance of liberality excited additional in- 
terest in the hardworking Oxford farmer, whose example had now placinl him 
at the head of the benetactors of this ancient literary institution. In 1820 he 
presented to the College an excellent telescope, with a focal length of ten feet 
and an aperture of five inches, made to his order, and costing over .81,000. lie 
was elected to the legislature from Oxford in 1825 and for several succeeding 



228 HISTOKY OF SP^YMOUK. 

years. His sentiments and mode of thought may perhaps best he expressed 
in his own words, as in the following extract li'om a letter written by him in 
reply to acknowledgments of one of his bequests : 

"OXFOKD, Nov. 2ilth, 18;«. 

" Respecteii FiiiENDS — Mim is a child of circum.stance8. While some are born to ease and plenty, 
seldom meet with disappointments, are surrounded by benevolent friends, always ready to assist, to 
comfort, and to afford tliem the most ample means of enjoying the liighest degree of mental culture ; 
others are born to poverty and servitude, unassisted, even by their nearest relatives, and denied tlie 
privilege of obtaining a good common school edu<;ation, and are often dispirited by disappointments. 

" It was my destiny to belong to the latter class. Early in life I had a tender father, who was in 
possession of a large amount of propertj'. He intended, and often promised, that I should have a liberivl 
education— but, alas, befoie I was old enough to prepare to enter College, he died, and the estate proved 
to be insolvent. 

•' Thus aU my fond hopes of having a liberal education were frustrated, and I was left fatherless 
and penniless in a hard, unfeeling, selfish world, to provide, by my own industry, to satiffy those posi- 
tive wants congenial to poor hmnan nature. It fell to my lot to live, till I was of age, with my grand- 
father, a hard working, parsimonious farmer, but I was allowed the privilege of reading occasionally, 
on Sundays, stormy days, and in the long nights of winter. From these opportunities of reading, I was 
soon convinced that the powei', the honor, and glory of nations, consisted in, and depended upon, their 
great men. W4iat has Greece, or Rome, or any nation of antiquity transmitted to posterity, worthy of 
esteem and admiration, but the achievements of their heroes, and the productions of their artists, poets, 
and philosophers .< And what else can we transmit to succeeding ages, to distinguish us from the un- 
lettered savages that roamed at large in the uncultivated wilds of America when discovered by our 
liithers? Full of tliis idea, and animated with an ardent desire to piomote the honor and happiness of 
my own native country, I felt determined to do all I could to patronize and encovirage literature and 
science, to proWde the means of atfordiug our literary and scientific genius a finished education. 

"Oft when toiling with ceaseless a.s.siduity to accomplish that object, I have been pointed at, by 
mj^ fellow-citizens, with the finger of scorn, and taunted by the tongue of ridicule. But for aU this 1 
felt a reward in the anticipation of piomotiug the honor, and glory, and happiness of my beloved 
country. I never dreamed of personally receiving the grateful aeknowledgments of one of the most 
respectable collegiate classes in the world. This I assure you, my dear friends, is a full, a rich compen- 
sation foi' all the labor, the hardships and privations I have sutfered." 

From his will, made in 1823, the following is taken : 

'• Knowing the unceitainty of life — thinking that we must always be prepaied to die — feeling that 
it is our duty to do all the good in our power, and believing that part of my property will do more good 
if given to encourage literature than it would to descend according to law, I, Sheldon Clark, of Uxfoid. 
am voluntarily and of my own accord, disposed to make the following wOl : 

"I wish to be buried in a decent manner, and to have decent gravestones at the discretion of my 
executors, it is my wiU, that my just debts and my funeral expenses be paid out of my movable 
estate. I give and bequeath to the Corporation of Yale College in New Haven, all my homestead farm 
where I now live, with its buildings and appurtenances — also, all the land that was given to me by my 
grandfather, Thomas Clark, Esq., on the east side* of the road that runs north and .south of Mr. Samuel 
Tucker, with its buildings and appurtenance.s — also, all my land that lies north of the road that luus 
by where George Drake now lives — also, my meadow that lies a few rods west of Kimmon school-house, 
and also, all my Ked Oak faim, &c. 

•'Funds being so liable to be lost by bad security, it is my will, that the lands 1 have given t«j said 
Corporation shall never be sold, but that they shall be let or rented, iu such way and mannei', as the 
President and Fellows of said Yale College, and their successors, forever, shall judge to be for the best 
interest of said institution. It is my will, that the annual income of said lands shall be annually appro- 
priated for the advancement of literature in said Yale College, in such a manner as its President and 
Fellows, and their successois foiever, shall deem the best and most beneficial for said iustitutiou ; but 
no part of said donation or income shall ever bo approi)riated to erect or repair buildings. 

" I also give and bequeath to the Corporation of Yale College iu New Haven, all the money 1 shall 
have on hand and all the notes I shall have duo me at the time of my decease, (except three hundred 
and thirty-four dollars for Chesnut-tree hill school district,) to be appiopriated for the benefit of saiil 
Yale College, as its President and Fellows, and their successors forevtir, shall think shall be for its best 
good, and the most conducive to its prosjjeiity and honor." 

'■The bouse and lioin.-.stcid lai ui wiif on the west side oltlu^ road. 



SHELDON CLARK. 1>L'.» 

Jle then gives in form, and with ccrtaiu fomlitions, the above named 8iim 
to the Chestnut-tree hill school district. He gives also to his three sisters a 
valuable farm, which fell to him from his and their brother, besides other lands 
acquired after his will was made; also, all his personal estate not otherwise 
disposed of; and on his death bed he exi)ressed a wish, that the sisters should 
receive each one thousand dollars. 

He named Abel Wheeler, Esq., of Oxford, and Kenjamin Silliman of 
New Haven, his executors, l)ut Judge V.'heeler did not survive him. He 
died April 11, 1S40, from injuries receivcnl by a fall from a scaffolding in his 
barn. ITnder his extreme sut1<n-ings not a word escaped him as to his future 
]>rospects: he remarked only, that he had endeavored to do all the good in his 
power, and as these pages show, his efforts were not in vain. 

A large concourse of friends and neighbors and people of the vi(!inaji»' 
with several of the ofiicers of the college and the clergy attended him to his 
last houic. A long retinue of rural vehicles wound slowly down the high 
hills and along the deep valleys to a secluded burying ground, which he had 
been instrumental in arranging, on a quiet and beautiful plain, shaded by 
l)ines and watered by the murmuring current of a branch of the Housatonic. 
A neat marble slab records his name as "a distinguished benefactor of Yale 
College."' Such indeed he was. His Ixinefactions to the institution, includ- 
ing the funded interest fliat had accumulated to the time of his death, 
uuu)unted to full thirty thousaml dollars — three times as much as any other 
individual had ever given. 

This object was not acconii»lished without a long course of stern self- 
denial — with great industry ami severe economy. Mr. Clark expended very 
little on his own i)ersonal accommodation. The plain farmer's house remained 
as his grandfather left it, without decoration and almost without repair; the 
furniture was of the humblest kind, but a warm welcome was given to his 
friends and to strangers, with ample provision not only of the produce of a 
farmer's cultivation and care, but occasionally, with a free hospitality in 
rarer things. 

His policy was, to augment as far and as fast as possible, his productive 
capital ; he attemi)ted no imi)roveni<'nts in his agriculture ; he hardly preserviul 
fences and buildings i/i statu quo; little I'ctui-n of manure was nnide to his 
hard worked soils, and even his w(»od a\u\ timl)er, were, to a certain extent, 
sold for money and cleared away for market, l)y other hands. He kept his 
money always at work — loaned all the cash he did not need, (and his personal 
wants were few) — re(iuired his interest and payments at the day — but was ex- 
actly just in his dealings— |)roui]»t to give his advice when desired, and kind 
in ills treatment of all. His iKtardiiig was not for himself; wife and children 
lie had none, and he laid by his thousands -the results not of tratlie. or specu- 
lation, Itut of laborious thrifty industry — to furnish the means of a sni)erior 
education to the <'liildien of others, and to i.'-enerations vet unborn. 



::oO 



HISTOIJY OF SEYMOUK. 





'f- l'^fn5;2£^ 




8EYM0UK AT THE CEXTENNIAL. 



NAMES OF VISITOES. 



James K. Adams, 
Morris Atwootl, 
iMiss Flora Bassett, 
Edward F. Bassett, 
iSamuel A. lieach, 
Mrs. M. A. Beach, 
Harry E. Beach, 
C. E'. Beach, 
Sharon Y. l)each, 
Mrs. S. Y. P>eacli, 
Sharon D. Beach, 
David Betts, Jr., 
Mrs. David Betts, 
Lottie E. Booth, 
Edward N. Botsford, 
Edward B. 
Mrs. E. B. 
Edward 0. 
Lewis A. Camp, 
Samuel H. ('antield, 
DeWitt C. Castle, 



Bradley, 
Bradley, 
Brown, 



John Castle, 
Martin K. Castle, 
Mrs, O. S. Chatfield, 
Sheldon Church, 
J. A. Clark, 
■ E. M. demons, 
Mrs. S. A. Cooke, 
Burr S. Davis, 
John Davis, 2d, 
Mrs. Martha PI Davii 
Nettie E. Davis, 
Sanmel 1\ Davis, 
Zerah B. Davis, 
Austin G. Day, 
Mrs. A. Ct. Day, 
pjdmund Day, 
Mrs. Edmund Day, 
Henry P. Day, 
Theodore Decker, 
A. (i. ])eWolfe, 
H. H. DeWolfe, 



Mary Dihhle, 
Sarah C Dibble, 
M. A. Doolittle, 
Mary Doolittle, 
Mrs." PI L. Doolittle, 
Albert B, Dunham, 
Daniel T. Dunham, 
Geo. S. Edwards, 
Mrs. Geo. S. Edwards, 
Charles Edwards, 
Horatio N. Pi^gghiston, 
Mrs. H. N. P:"ggieston, 
Ada M. P]i>:gleston, 
Mrs. Josephine p]lliott, 
Mrs. S. E. Fairchild, 
G. B. Flagg, 
Hattie P'ord, 
Mrs. S. C. Ford, 
PMend C. Ford, 
Mrs. Friend V. P^rd, 
John T. P^rsey, 



Mrs. ,]. T. I'orscv, 
Lewis L. Ganvtt, 
Dexter A. Uillette, 
llarvin S. Ilalliyan, 
Frederick Hilton, 
Andrew llolbrook, 
Cliarles F. Ilulhrook, 
Rilla liurllmrt, 
Thomas E. llurlhurt, 
Thomas James, 
(Jeori^e A. James, 
Lizzie E. James, 
N. A. Johnson, 
]Mrs. 8. (J. Johnson, 
Susie S. Johnson, 
^Marie Kissam, 
Fannie Kissam, 
Theodore S. Ladd, 
(Jeorue Leavenworth, 
Libbie O. Lockwood, 



IIISTOKV OF 8EVMOU 

Virgil H. McEwen, 
Mrs: V. IL McEwcqi, 
Bernard IL Merrick, 
Frank K. Mitchell, 
Shehhm Miles, 
Mrs. Sheldon Miles, 
W. C. Noyes, 
Mrs. Noyes, 
Josephine L. Xorthrop, 
Christian IMckardt, 
Horace A. Kadford, 
Mrs. ('. C. liadford, 
S. 11. Kankin, 
Martha E. Keyriolds, 
Minnie E. Reynolds, 
Sarah L. Reynolds, 
William B. Reynolds, 
Georjj-e A. Rider, 
William C. Sharpe, 
Burton W. Smith, 



^ 231 

James Smith, 
.Mrs. Sara Smith, 
William Smith, 
John Sjders, 
IL V. Swift, 
James Swan, 
\Vm. B. Swan, 
Rev. (Mias. A. Tibbals, 
iMuma Tomliiis»)n, 
Llovd L. Weaver, 
Mrs. Lloyd L. Weaver, 
Lazarus (L Weaver, 
Charles 11. Weaver, 
Henry Wheeler, 
.Mrs. Henry Wheeler, 
Xellie White, 
fMiarles IL Williams, 
Eu-rene A. >Vvant. 



GREAT HILL ECCLESlASTICxVL SOCIETY'. 



At a General Assembly of the G<niernor and Company of the Colony of 
Connecticut, holden at New Haven on the second Thursday of Octo- 
ber, A. 11, 1775. 

Upon the memorial of Timothy Russell and others, inhabitants of Derby, 
livinj;^ within the limits of the first Ecclesiastical Society, and in the limits of 
Oxford, showing that their situation is such that they cannot conveniently at- 
tend public worship in said societies, es])«!cially in the winter season, praying 
that they may be exempted from Ministerial Taxes to each of their respective 
societies for four months in each year, and that they may be empowered -to tax 
themselves for the support of the gospel among themselves for said term as 
per mem' on file. 

Resolved by this Assembly, That the memorialists and all such jx-rsons 
living in the following limits, (viz.) beginning at the Five Mile Brook, where 
the County Road that leads to Woodbury crosses said brook, ami then down 
said l)rook to the Great River, from thence down said river to a small brook 
that falls into said river in Amos Bassett's farm, and from thence to the 
mouth of Haseky Meadow brook, where the same empties into the Nauga- 
tuck river, imlnding the dwcdling houses of Amos Bassett and Benjamin 
Bassett, and from thence up said Naugatuck river to the bridge by the falls, 
and from thence up the road to the corn<'r of Daniel Wooster's meadow by the 
Little river, and from thence to the dwelling house of Abner Johnson (ex- 
cluding said house ), and from thence to the first mentioned station ; be, and 



L';32 HISTOKV OF iSEYMOUK. 

iire lierehy empowered to tax tlioinselves for the support of public worship 
unioug theuiselvos for the term of four months months in each year, and they 
are hereby exempted from paying any ministerial taxes, during said term 
towards the supi)ort of the gospel in each of the other societies ; this act to 
continue during the ])Ie;isure of this assembly, provided and on condition they 
uphold, su])port and carry on public worship among themselves as proposed. 
A true copy of Kecord. Examined by (lEORGP: Wyllys, Secret 

At a Goicnil Assvinlili/ of the Gorernor and Coinpaiiij of the iStttte of Con- 
necticut, holden at Hartford on the .second Thursday of May, i77i>. 

Upon tlie nu'morial of John Holbrook and others, inhabitants of the 
southwesterly part of the township of Derby, praying this assembly to grant 
and enact that that part of the town of Derby laying within the following 
bounds, (viz.) beginning at the southerly corner of Benjamin Bassett's land by 
the. (xreat river running thence a straight line to the mouth of Haseky 
Meadow's broi^k where it empties into the Naugatuck river, thence up 
said river to the New Great bridge, thence running northwesterly as 
the county road runs, to the easterly corner of Daniel AVooster's meadow, 
thence running to zVbner Johnson's dwelling house, leaving the same on the 
north side of said line, from thence to the live-mile brook, where it crosses 
Woodbury road leading to Derby, thence down said brook to the Great river, 
and from thence down said river to the first mentioned boundary, be consti- 
tuted and made an l?^cclesiastical tSociety by the name of the Great Hill 
Society, with all the privileg(!S, immunities and advantages that other Eccle- 
siastical Societies by law have and enjoy. 

Resolved by the Assembly, That all the inhabitants dwelling in that part 
of the township of Derby, laying within the above described lines and bounda- 
ries be, and the sauie are hereby constituted and made an Ecclesiastical 
Society by the name of the (ii'eat Hill Society, with all the ])riviledges, im- 
munities and advantages that all other Ecclesiastical Societies by law have 
and enjoy. 

A true copy of Record. Examined l>y GeorCxE \Vvllvs, Secre'. 



INDEX 



The lists of names on pages 13t; to 13!) and 230-1, being arranged alphabetically, are not indexed. 



Abbott, C. r.. 112, 117. 

Rev. B. T., 180. 

Robert J., 73, 79. 
Acly, Rev. Charles G., -28, 
Adams. James K., 99, 134, 183. 

C. Lockwood, 171. 

John, 76, 78, 183. 
Adamson, Rev. Mr., 1.5. 
A dye, John, 21. 
Allen, Albert, 152. 

Ephraim, 106, 157. 

Jennette G., 171. 

John, 110. 

Mary, 170, 171, 195. 

Roger, 171. 
Ailing, Gideon, 52. 

IchabodE,, 92. 

Mary Newton, 171. 
American Car Co., 86. 
Ames, Rev. Henry, 175. 
Amity, 53. 

Anderson, Ahira, 56. 
Annis, Rev. James, 174. 
Andreas, Elisha, 224. 
Andress, Samuel, 52. 
Andrus, Kev. Luman. 174. 
Armstrong, J., 117. 
Atwater, L., 178. 

Mr., 185. 

S. A., 118. 
Atwood, rienry C, 132, 133. 

James, 168. 

Lucy A., 111. 

Marv, 167. 

Wheler, 168. 
Atwood & Betts, 139. 
Auger, Capt., 220. 
Austin, Miss, 217. 
Aylesworth, F. P., 99, 140. 

Bachelor, Rev. Elijah, 174. 
Bacon, Charles, 211. 
Bainbridge, Rev. Thomas. 1'.-. 
Baird, Mr., 188. 
Baker, Capt. James, 90, 102. 
Ball, , 51. 

Hannah, 221. 

Statira, 171. 
Baluwln Family, 157, 223. 

Anson, 63. 

Barnabas, 42. 

E. C, Rev., 14. 

Edward N., 183. 

Edward, 93. 

Elias, 56, 68. 

Elijah, 211. 

Elizabeth, 205, 206. 

Esther, 57, 173. 

Eunice, 57, 173. 

I8aac,21,54,56,57,173,174. 195. 

James, Sergt. 51, 218. 

Jesse, 51, 56, 63, 157. 

Jesse, Dr., 147. 

John, 92. 

Loraine, 218. 



Baldwin, Lorindii. 1.57. 

Nathan, 40. 

Philena, 68. 

Reuben, 45. 

Richard, 42, 197. 
-Sarah, 57, 163, 173, 218. 

Silas, 45, 56, 113, 114. 

Stephen, 108, 109. 

Thaddeus, 46, 48, 201. 

Tmiothy, 16. 

Timothy, Capt., 21, 46, 163. 

Willis, 206. 
Bangs, Heman, Rev., 119. 

Nathan, Rev., 175. 
Bank of North America, 85. 
Baptist Church, 82, 89. 
Barlow, Mary, 126, 194, 195. 
Bamett, Rev. E., 177. 
Barnes, Abraham, 52. 

Minot, 132. 
Bartholomew, Mr., 222. 
Bartis, Mary, 113. 
Bartist, Samuel, 56, 
Bartlett, George H., 99. 

Henrv W., 112, 182, 183. 
Barr, Mrs. E. C, 15. 

William J., 15. 

Andi'ew, 16. 
Bassett & Smith, 73. 
Bassett Family, 205. 

Abel, 63. 

Abiuui. .51. 128, 147. 

AliialKUii, 45, 46, 147. 

Aiiiaiida. Mrs.. 220. 

Amcis. 1.51, 221. 

Amos G., 172. 

Andrew, 87. 

Benjamin, 48, 231. 

Cai.t. Elliott, 89, 119. 

(apt. I.saac, 119, 175. 

K.Uvanl, 52. . ' 

K<l\vai a F., 74, 85,102,104,139. 

K.hviu, 211. 
-EUza, 199. 

Elliott R., 90, 101. 102. 103, 
108, 119. 

Einiicr, 226. 

Ezra, 1!I7, 199. 

C,i„vj.r. 111,213. 

Ilaiiiiali, 211. 

Hattle, 110. 

Isaac, 151, 15.5, 179. 

James, 150, 151^ 

Jared,75,112, 176, 179,182,202. 

John, Lieut., 48. 

John W., 89, 103, 104, 108, 
116, 117. 

Jo.siab, 108, 109. 

Juliu.s, 76. 78, 92, 112, 134. 

Lor< ii/.i) M., 92, 112. 

Martin B., 80. 

Jlary, 193, 196, 199. 

Minerva, 111. 

Noyes E., 93. 

I'lli-be, 211. 



Bassett, Philo, 209. 

Rosetta. 110, 111. 

Samuel. 9, 40, 42, 63. 71, 72, 
85, 87, 121, 128, 149. 

Sally B., 176, 

Sheldon, 92. 

Truman, 223. 

WUbur, 140, Mrs., 140. 

William, 63, 155. 
Bates. Ella A., 216. 

Nancv, 212. 

William, 70, 120, 121, 177. 
Baytis, Eliza, 211. 
Beach Family, 158. 

Andrew Y., 19, 108. 

Benjamin, Rev., 10,11, 17, 1J,3. 

Bet.sey, 128. 

David, 56. 84. 89, 114, US, 
117. 202. 

Emma E., 16. 

George W., 164. 

Jesse, 163. 

Lucy M., Mrs., 29. 

SamuelA.,92,103,104,108,i;M. 

Sharon Y„ 10, 19, 72, 81, 82, 
84, 87, 89, 102, 105, 107, 
108,116,117,120, 139, 152. 

Simeon. 113. 
Beach's Paper Mill, 81, 120. 
Beacon Falls, 37, 39. 
Beacon Hill, 6. 
Beard, George, 48. 149, 150. 

Joseph T., 205. 

William, 56. 
Beardsley, Anna, 214. 

Ira, 208. 

Moses, 209. 
Becker, Gustave, 105. 
Beebe, Joel, 10. 

Martin, 25. 

Sheldon, 132. Mrs. 128. 
Beechek Fajiily, 221. 

Abi'aham, 45, 46. 

Abigail, 220. 

Burr P., 139. 

Edgar, 99. 

Frank H., 134. 

Hannah, 198. 

Henrv B., 74, 103, 105, 117, 
141, 174, 181, 18.3, 219. 

Henry Ward, Rev., 221. 

Isaac; 46, 48, 198. 

Lvdia, 201. 

ilary, 198. 

Philo, 82. 

Sarah, 42, 157. 
Beement, Jonathan, 114. 
Beers, A. J., 134. 

Henry B., 92. 
Bell. Catharine, 15. 

Rev. Robert C, 15, 19. 20. 

William 15, 
Bellamy, Rev. Mr., 19. 
Benedict, George A., . 

Henry W., 183. 



234 



1, Anu, 152. 

Bennett, 92. 

Charles, Mrs., 128. 

Maria, 160. 

Marietta, 111. 

Mrs. Charles, 128. 

Sarah, 109. 
Benton, Charles, 212. 
Bennett, Legrand, 212. 

Polly, 208. 
Bethany, 6, 41, 70. 
Bethany Church, 127. 
Betts, David Jr., 80, 101, 104, 
105, 152. 

William T., 102, 104. 
Bidwell, James H., 77. 
Bigelow, Lottie E., 118. 
Birdseye, Ephraim, 116. 
Birdsey, Dinah, 159. 
Birmingham, 38. 
Bissell, W. D., 134. 
Black, Nathaniel, 52. 
Blckley, Miss, 158. 
Blackman, Alfred, 84. 

Ethel, 132. 

John E., 89. 

Lucius, 79. 
Blacksmith Shop, 58. 
Bladen's Brook, 6, 115, 116. 
Blake, Isaac, 116. 

Rubin, 56. 

William, 99. 
Blakeslee, David, 52. 
Bliss, Howard, 92. 

Lemuel. 74, 155. 

Mrs. 70. 

Mrs. Charles, 15. 

Mrs. Emeline, 14. 
Blueville, 72, 73. 
Blydenburgh, Rev. Moses, 32, 

33, '34. 72, 178. 
Board of Education, 107. 
Bochfoid, Sarah, 206. 
Bodge, George E., 92. 

John, 121, 152. 



Mrs. F., 15. 

Rev. Edward, 25. 

Rev. Solomon, 26. 
Bogart, O. M. Jr., 162. 
Boudinot, Mr., 123. 
Booth Family, 156. 

Albert, 180. 

Anna, 208. 

Andres, 90. 

Ebenezer, 127, 208. 

Frank, 210. 

H. Treat, 93. 134. 156, 195. 

Huldah, 129. 

Lottie E., 110, 117. 

Maria, 156. 

Mary A., 223. 

Olive M., 208. 

Peter, Dr., 156. 
Booty, Edward, 132, 
Bostick, Isaac, 113. 
Bostwick, Daniel, 209. 

Israel, 25. 
Botsford, Charles S., 136. 

Cyi-us, 119, 

Ellen E., 203. 

Grace E., 13. 

Harvey L., 93. 

Isaac, Capt., 223. 

John, 45, 47. 

Lyman, 152, 186. 

Nehemiah, 16, 19. 

Nehemiah, Dea,, 210.' 

Smith, 89, 90, 104, 111, 112, 
121, 122, 182, 183. 

Treat, 196. 
Bounties to Soldiers, 90, 91. 
Boutwell, Henry, 185. 
Patience, 185. 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 

Boutwell, Silence, 185. 
Bowen, Merwin, 110, 

Rev. Josiah, 178. 
Bower Family, 185. 

Anna, 154, 

John, Rev., 185, 192. 
Bowman, James, 63. 
Bradford, Helen, 210. 

Mercv, 204. 

William, Major, 204. 
Bradley, Charles, 16, 196. 

Abigail, 224. 

Bede, 217. 

Benjamin, 218. 

Dorcas, 128. 

Edward B., 205. 

Elephas, 113. 

Euos, 43. 

Harriett, 218. 

E. M., 152. 

H. &M., 71. 

Henry I., 93. 

Henry, 71, 84, 89, 90, 101, 102, 
103, 105, 134, 139. 

Jesse, 217. 

John H., 99, 135. 

Leonard, 139. 

Lucretia, 225. 

Mary, 110. 

Mary Ann, 198. 

Merritt, 71, 133. 

Miss, 111. 
Bradlew, Rev. Charles W., 27. 
Bradstreet, Humphrey, 185. 
Brassill, Matthew, 98." 
Bray, Rev. John E., 12, 13, 19. 

WiUiam H., 93. 
Brewster, Abigail, 39, 200. 

Nathaniel, 37. 

William, 204. 
Bridges, 182. 
Bristol, Aaron, 43. 

Benjamin, 211. 

Corp., 52. 

William, 110. 
Bkoadwell Family, 172. 

Betsey, 129. 

Lewis, 63, 129. 
Bronson, Ilenry, 87. 

Miles. 109. 

Rev. David, 44. 

Rodney O., 93. 

Royal L., 93. 

Samuel L., 89, 104, 169. 

William, 131. 
Brown, Charles, 93. 

E. C, 1.34. 

Juliette, 172. 

Vincent, 217. 
Brush, Rev. Jacob, 174. 
Brushell, Nathan A., 140. 
Bryan, Sarah, 157. 
Buck, Rev. Valentine, 177. 
Buckingham, Betsey, 215, 216. 

Edmn, 105. 

Ebenezer, Lieut., 45. 

Lewis, 223. 

Philo B., Col., 19, 84, 85, 87, 
88, 89, 93, 107, 133, 152. 

Samuel, Sen., 6. 

Samuel W., 139, 

Tvroigg 152 
Buckley, Jas. E., 93, 105, 134, 135. 

Owen, 93. 
Buddington, Sophia, 169. 
Bulfiim, WilUam, 73, 78, 79. 
Bukley, Hester, 188. 
Bunce, Lewis, 77, 79, 123. 
Bungay, 47. 

George W., 77. 
Bunyan, Matthias, 102, 105, 135. 
Bur^oyne, Gen., 160. 
Burlock, Thomas, 79. 



Burlock, Mary DeForest, 169. 
Burton, Henry, 109. 
Burr, Thaddeus, 57. 
Burritt & Lewis, 71. 
Burroughs, George W., 99. 
Burritt, William, 70. 
Burwell, Catharine C, 15, 110. 

Ruth, 47. 

Sarah, 211. 
Bushnell, Rey, Samuel, 176. 
Business Directory, 139. 
Butler, Ezra, 51. 

Samuel, 105, 134, 183. 
Buxton, Henry, 132. 



Cable, Frederic, 170. 

RosweU, 132. 
Cadwell, Perry, 76. 

Cady, , 147. 

Cai&'in, John Church, 56. 
Calkins, Israel, 209. 
Camp's Mortgage, 43. 
Camp Lewis A., 104, 105. 135. 

N, D., Hon., 101. 

Samuel, 211. 
Candee, Arthur L., 117. 

Benjamin, 131. 

Caleb, 56. 

Corp, 52. 

Daniel, 131. 

David, 128, 132. 

E. C, 131. 

Geo. B., 93. 

Gid. H., 110. 

Isaiah, 132. 

Jennette, 226. 

Judson, 110. 

Levi, 131, 132, 133. 

Lewis B., 87. 

Mary, 157. 

Moses, 131, 157. 

Nancy, 157. 

Noah, 146, 147. 
Canfield Fa&uly, 193. 

Abiel, 126, 172. 

Betsev, 172. 

Daniel, 216. 

Esther, 14, 216. 

Ezekiel, Rev., 176. 

Hannah, Mrs., 14. 

Joseph, 45, 149. 

Josiah, Dr., 42. 

Lucius, 218. 

Mary, 172. 

Reuben, 52. 

Roswell C, 15. 

Samuel, 64. 

Samuel H. 103, 104, 108, 134. 139 

Sheldon, 132, 211. 

, 212. 

Capital Punishment, 125. 
Carlson, Carl, 147. 
Carpenter, Coles, Rev., 174. 

Henry, 56. 

Pearl, 80. 

Smith, 140. 
Carrington, Albert, 

Betsey, 220. -'^ 

Content, 222. 

EUas, 220, 222. 

Esther, 222. 

SaUy, 218. 
Carroll, Wm., 93. 

Presiding Elder, 178. 
Carter, Jacob, 78. 

Mary E., 222. 
Cartri^h't, Jonathan, 52. 
Case, Annie, 129. 
Cass, Nicholas, 93. 
Castle, D. C, 134. 

Martin, 146, 134. 

S. J., Mrs., 15. 
Cemeteries, Union, 71, 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 



Cemetery, Piutsbridtre. 3S, :?9. 

Riniinou, :!?, :!9, 1-28. 
Centennial Ex., Vis. to. -XW. 
C!ha(hvick, Thomas. 93. 
Chais, Isaac, 113. 
Chambeilin, Betsey. 110. 

C, Rev.. 15. 

E. B., Rev., M. 

Henry R., 99, 135. 

Horatio S., 99, 105, 135. 

Walter, Rev.. 208. 
Change of Name, S-1. 
Chapman, Amelia, US. 

Lunian. 171. 
Charter of the Town, 80. 
Chatfield, An.sou, 216. 

Benjamin, 212. 

Caleb, 52. 

Charlotte, 161, 162. 

Daniel-, 4,1. 

Horace D,. 213. 

Joel 1st, 2.-., 113, 129, IGl. 220. 

Joel R., 103, 111. 112, 213. 
^rJohn, 90, 101, 102. lOT. 
- Jolm R., 108. 

Leman, 81, 82, 83, 84, 104, 132. 

L. Cornelia, 112. IIT. 

Maria, 110. 

Mary, 111, 112, ITl. 

Miss, 117. 

Oliver, 52. 

Ruth, 129. 
Cheney, Rev. Labau C, 177. 
Chestnut-tree Hill. 7. 
Chipman. Joseph, 84, 117, 133. 
Church, Abel, 20, 25, 5G, 171. 

Anna, 130, 21G. 

Henry, 197. 

John, 46. 

Laura, 129. 

Marietta, 171. 

iffai'y, 217. 

Sheldon. 28, 72,84. 89. 90, 105, 
129,197. 

■William, -25, .'Mi, 73. 217. 
Churchill, Dr., 15. 

Hobart, 224. 

John. .56. 

Timothy, 56. 
Chnse, 17, 36, 40, 41, 59. 
Chusetown, 40, 57, 59. 17. 
Chusetown District. 112. 115. 
Claflin, Georne. 162. 
Clark, Allan,' Rev., 15. 102. 

Amos, 56. 217. 

Chauucey, 52. 

David B.', 73, 117. 

David M., 132, 133. 

Edmund. 1.57. 

Edwin W., 199. 

Ellen. 172. 

Ellen M.. 110, 117. 

Elias. .56. 

Eliza, 111. 

Eunice, ,168. 

George, 52, .57, 173. 

Geoi-ge, Ensign. 6. 

Hannah, 160. 

Hezekiah, .39. 

Hezekiah, Jun., .56. 

John, 86. 

Joseph, 132. 

Laban, Rev., 177. 

Levy, 56. 

Maria, 156. 

Martin, 52. 

Mary Ann, 217. 

Moaes, 21, 39, 201. 

Oliver, 113. 

Patty, 197. 

P. E., Mrs., 111. 

Rufus, 56. 

Russell, 115. 



Clark. .Sallv, 161, 162, 197. 

Sh.'ldoii, 39, 227. 

Smith, 117. 132, 1.57. 

Susanna, 128. 

ThouiMS, Sen.. 6. 40. 

Thomas, Esq., 45, 46, 56, 195. 
228. 

Thomas, Capt., 45, 46, ,52. 

Th<mias. Lieut., 128. 

Tiinothv. 217. 

W.'ilter'B., 116, 117. 

William, 129. 

William A., 86. 

William, Capt., 45. 
Clement, Eli. 94. 
-Clemous. Frederick M_^ 99. 105, 
108, 199.a,-iO, 131. 
Clinghan. Rev. Thomas, 208. 
Clinton. Charlotte, 164. 
Coate, Rev. Jliduu 1, 57, 174. 
Cochran, Thomas, 81. 82. 105. 
116. 217. 

John, A., 89, 1.39. 
Coe. John, 21, 45, 46. 173. 

Ruth. 173. 

John AUyn, 173. 
Cogiiswell, Egbert, 172. 

Jeremiah^ 71. 
Coleman. Kcv. James. 174, 175.177 

John. 135. 
Collin, Rev. H, P.. 15. 
Collins, Mrs. Sarah, 13. 

Amos, 52. • 

Abraham, 94. 
Colbert, William, 135. 
Colt, Anson F., 212. 
Cornish, Susannah, 195. 

John, 195. 
Cotter Fiank, A., 195. 
Cortelyou, Agnes, 211. 
Condon, Richard, 94. 
Conference Room, IKi. 
Cou,L:doii, JaiiTis, 52. 
Congreuiitional Chiueh, 9. 
Connc.ti.iit Cents. 24. 
Cou\ rctte. Fi-ank, 219. 
Conver.se, Claries E.. 162. 
Conway, Richard. 94. 
Cooper, Wm. S., 99. ll).5. i:C4-5. 
Cook, Elam, 217. 
Cornwall, William, 83, 87. 

Eli, S., 82, 85. 
Cotton Factory. 78. 
Cotton. John, 186. 
Coltingham, Miss, 117, 1,52. 
Cowles, Ruth, 164. 
Cowel, Lvdia, 113. 
Cox, Reuben, 94. 
Coxhead, John F.. 171. 
Crafts, Dr. Edward, 55, 57. 
Ci-awford, Beniamin. 112. 

John. Rev!, 113, 178. 

Joseph. 175. 
Creelnian. Eliza M., 16. 
Cridenton, Worriu, 56. 
Crittenden, Sarah, 203. 

Dr., 203. 
Crosby, Seth, 132. 
Cross, Frederick, 94, 
Crowley, Patrick, 135. 
Crozier, Richard, 207. 

William, 207. 

Sarah, 207. 
Culver, Miles, 16, 19, 71, 84, 88, 
106, 129. 

Laura, Mrs., 14. 

.Stei)henH., 103,10,5,112,117. 
Crummy, Dennis, 94. 
Currency in 1695, 8. 
Curry, W. C, 204. 
Cui-tiss, Amy, 210. 

Eunice, 167. 

Joanna, 167. 



Cnrtiss, John, 35. 

Joseph, 167. 

Julia, 15?-. 

Maria. 214. 

Olive, 1,54, 167. 

Simeon, 195. 

Simon, 109. 

Susan, 210. 

William B., Rev., 13. 19. :<;. 
78, 79, 179. 

William E., 94. 
Cushen, Martha M., 205. 
Cushman, Mr., 1.57. 
Cutts, Rev. Wm.. 127. 
(Cypher, Thomas. 1.57. 
Darhester, George, 52. 
Daggett, Judge David, 127. 
Danfoith, Thomas, 185. 
Daniels, John L., 74, 76, 1.32. 

Charles, 152. 
Dart. William, 209. 
Dau^liters of Temperance, 78. 
Davenport. Rev. Mr., 188. 
Davis; F.-vmily. 170. 

Alva, 77, 176. 

Anna, 176. 

Anson, 106, 108. 

Benjamin, 25. 47, .57. 210. 

Bettv, 215. 

Charles H., 94. 

(;iark. Capt., 198. 

Daniel, 25, 47. 217. 

Elizabeth, 202. 

Ella, 117. 

Euierett, 213. 

Harpin. 134. 

Henry, 102, 104, 107. 108. 

HenvVP.. 10.5,117,134.204.205 

Henry W., 94, 103. 

Isaac B., 7.5, 82, 84, 10.5. 219. 

James, 79. 

John, 1st, 45. 46, 90. 

Jolm. 2ud, 198. 

Jolm, 3id, 101. 10.5, 117, 134. 

.lohn. Col., 170. 

Joseph, 46, 195, 198. 

L.. 110. 

Lilly, 172. 

Lvdia, 212. 

Marcus, 109, 137, 172. 

Martha E., 110. 

Mary E., 198. 

Miss, 110. 

Mrs. Henry P.. 13. 

Mis. Xaonii. 193. 

Nancy, 101. 

Nathan. 131. 

Pollv. 176. 

Reuben, 113, 176. 

Sallv, 210. 

Samuel P., 102. 103, 10.5. 107. 
108. i:W. 149. 211. 

Sarah, 208. 

Sheldon, .56. 

Sophia, 110. 

Truman, Capt., 1!I8, 212.213. 

Virginia, 110. 

Zerah B.. 94. 
Dawson, John. Ji-.. 224. 

Kate, 209. 
Day, Austin G., 12;J. 143. 
■ Edmund, 104, 107. 108. 

H. P. & E„ 123. 142. 180. 

Henry P., 104. 

Zelotes, 86. 
IV' ion, Caiit. Ebcu.v..i - IJ'l 
146. 147. 

Mr.s., 146, 174. 

I'hebe, 113, 129. 

Mary, 158. 
Deal, Charles, 113. 
Deerv, Mary K., 118. 
DeForest &.'Hodge, 73, 122. 



236 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUE. 



DeForest, Andrew, W., 10, 71, 
77, 220. 

David, 45, 46. 

George P., 19, 83-4-5-6-7, IIG. 

George W., 116. 

H. A., 20. 

John H., 68, 69, 115,129, 132. 

William, 85. 
Derby Journal, 73. 
Deremore, Joseph, 52. 
Denney, Mrs. Harriett E., 14. 
Dennison, Sarah, 225. 
Denniston, Eev. Eli, 177. 
Devil's Jump, 6. 

WilUam, 79, 82. 
DeWolfe, AlvaG., 131. 

Huldah, 15. 

Mrs. Lucy, 15. 
Dibble, Capt. Amadeus. 63, 112, 
113, 129. 

Mary, 129. 

Raymond, 129. 

William W., 112, 134, 183. 
Dickerman, Capt. Isaac, 43, 44. 
Dickinson, Rev. Erederick, 207. 

Lydia, 207. 
Dike, Veren, 131. 
Divine, G. W., 73-4,101-2-3-5,133. 

Mrs. G. W., 140. 
Dolittle, Huldah, 202. 

Jane, 111. 

Samiiel, 146, 147. 
Domingo, Chas., 94. 
Donahue, Patrick, 94. 
Dorman, Amos, 113. 

Walter W., 16. 
Dorothy,^ Rhoda, 158. 
Douglass, Chas., 87. 
Downing, Mary, 166. 

Hon. Emanuel, 166. 

Sir George, 166. 
Downs, Albert J., 199. 

Edward S., 135. 

Emma J., 117. 



Jarvis, 113. 
Downs & Sanford, 79. 
Drake, George, 220. 
Driscol, Jeremiah. 135. 
Driver, Darius, 220. 

James, 71. 

PoUy, 210. 

Samuel, 220. 
Dunham, Albert B., 104, 140. 

Henry A., 139. 
Dunn, Mary, 198. 
■ DuKAND Family, 159. 

Anna, 129. 

Charles, 14, 33, 87. 
' David, 175. 

Ebenezer, 52. 

Elizabeth, 110. 

Frederick, 101, 107, 110, 111, 
117, 118, 152, 183, 183. 

Isaac, 52. 

Jeremiah, 32, 69, 116, 216. 

Joseph, 129. 

Mrs. B. M., 13. 

PoUy, 265, 216. 

Samuel, 52, 129, 175. 
Dutcher, Eev. E. H., 181. 
Dutton, Thomas A., 132. 
Dwight, Pres.of Yale, 12,60,125. 

John W., 72, 79, 83, 86, 87. 

Timothy, 72, 83,85, 86,87, 120. 
Dwight & French, 78, 80,79, 196. 
Dyer, WiUiam, 212. 

Eagle Manufacturing Co., 85. 
Eason, Frances, 196. 
Eastman, Vespatian, 52. 
Eaton, Gov., 188. 
Edwards, Charles, 131, 134. 



Edwards, George S., 139. 

Pierpont, 127, 

Timothy, Rev., 166. 
Ells, Samuel, 6. 
Eggleston, Horatio N., 104. 
Electors of Seymour, 135. 
EUiot, Gustavus E., 203. 

Joseph, 186. 
Ellis Family, 164. 

Thomas, 115, 177, 178. 

WilUam H., 86. 
Ely, George W., 162. 
Emancipation, 48. 
Emory, Rev. Nathan, 174, 176. 
EngUsh, Abel, 108, 109. 

Abraham, 26. 

Abram, 151. 

Benjamin, 108, 109, 159. 

Benoni, Rev., 175. 

Dorcas, 211. 

Judson, 69, 119, 199. 
Eno, William S., 164. 
Episcopal Church, 18, 25. 
Evans, David Jr., 218. 

Richard, 15. 

Fairchild, Abiel, 38, 42. 

Anna, 170. 

Ebenezer, 89, 105, 137, 140. 

Julia A., 110. 

Miss, 111. 

Nathaa B., 132. 

Ruth, 169. 

Nathaniel, 40. 

Sarah, 156. 

William A., 102, 105. 

Zachariah, 45, 150. 
Fail-field, 37. 

Falls of the Naugatuck, 5, 40. 41. 
Farrell, Frank, 87. 

Loren, 94. 
Farrington, Rhoda, 210. 
Fengot Coal Co., 102. 
Fenn, Benjamin, 6. 
Fenton, Moses, 151. 
Ferguson, Rev. Samuel D., 177. 
Field, Julius, Rev., 177, 183. 
Fields, Benjamin Anson, 210. 
Fife, Mrs. William T., 15. 
Finch, Joel. 129. 

Harvey, 218. 
Fisher, Ebenezer, 114-15, 120, 132. 

James E., 89, 152. 
Fisler, Rev. Benjamin, 174. 
Fitch, Rev. J. W., 15. 
Fitzpatrick, Hugh, 94. 
Five Mile Brook, 7. 
Foot, Corporal, 52. 
Foote, Elihu D., 153. 
Ford, Clark, 73, 100. 

Hattie M., 15. 

Jared K., 154. 

Lyman H., 137. 

Samuel C, 155. 

Sarah, 221. 
Forque, Frances, 21. 
Forsey, John T., 203. 
Foster, T., 121. 
Four Mile Brook. 7. 
Fowler, Abram, 212. 

C. A., 110. 

Catharine, 226. 

De Grasse, 94. 

George, 222. 

George, Mrs., 14, 15. 

Jane, 109. 

John, Capt., 43. 

Luther, 109. 
Fox, Amos, 52. 

Huldah, 160. 
Freeman, Richard, 113. 
Freemasonry, 131. 
Freemen in 1708, 7. 



French Family, 154. 

Asa, 56. 

Adonijah, 101, 102, 105. 

Alfred, 133. 

Carlos, 65,89,102, 104,108, 139 

Charles, 25, 40, 41, 42, 45, 94, 
113, 134, 198. 

David, 41. 

David, Esq., 127, 129. 

Enoch, 56, 113, 129. 

Francis, 41, 157, 187. 

Hannah, 217, 129. 

Harpin R., 94. 

Harriet, 195. 

Herman, B., 94. 

Hobart, 95. 

Israel, 25, 41, 101, 102, 103, 
105, 112, 113, 127, 133. 

John W., 95, 170. 

Laura, 111. 

Lydia, 187. 

Mary, 157. 

Nancy, 129. 

Nathaniel, 45, 129. 

Noah, 45. 

Raymond, 2, 10, 17, 42, 69, 
' 70, 71, 72, 79, 83, 85, 86, 
87, 102, 121, 195. 

Raymond, Mrs., 15. 

Rebecca, 151. 

Samuel, 35, 45, 129. 

Wales, 71, 182. 

Walter, 50. 175. 

Warren, 74, 152, 181-2-3, 198, 

William, 129. 
French & Dwight, 78. 
French, R. & Co., 73. 
French, Swift & Co., 74, 79, 83. 
Freshets, 70, 71, 74, 81, 83, 84. 

89, 101, 102. 
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, 135 
Frisbie, Job., 186, 187. 

E. H., 180. 
Puller, EUzabeth, 164. 

George L., Rev., 119, 178, 182 

John, 225. 

Gainsby, E., 78. 
Galpin, Frederick, 208. 
Garrettson, Rev. Freeborn, 174-5 
Gay, Prof., 83, 118. 
Gay lord, Eanson, 74. 

William, 87. 
Geissler, Robert H., 95. 
Gerard, Frank C, 100, 105. 
Gerling, Wm., 129, 132, 133. 
Gilbert, EHas, 64, 113, 114, 196. 

Esther Ann, 168, 169. 

Ezekiel, 69, 71, 73, 129. 

LsaacJ., 116. 

Levi, 155. 

Sarah E., 110. 
Gilbert, Beach & Co., 120. 
Gilbert & Wooster, 70. 
- Gillette Family, 199. 

Anson, 119, 175. 

Chas., 110. 

Eli, 89, 103, 108, 137, 212. 

Ephi'aim, 53. 

Jeremiah, 25. 

W. A., 151. 

Wm., 201. 
Gilyard, Anna, 129. 

Lois, 176. 

Nancy, 205, 206, 116, 120. 

Sarah, 213. 

Thomas, 62, 63, 115, 129, 175, 
176, 182, 183. 

William, 38, 41, 112, 213. 

Givens, , 210. 

Gleason, M. A., 111. 
Glendining, Geo. B., 77, 78, 118, 
132, 133. 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 



Cot 



(n.u.liuinjr, Niiucv H.. 77. 
Glendining Ai Mtkmv. 77,78. VXi. 

Glover, . ISC. 

Goddiu.l, William W., 87. 
Goodiioh. Eli/.ab.-Th, 22.>. 

Eli/.ur, (J3. 
Groodsell, Dau, 22-J. 
Gordiii. \Vmia7u, 47. 
Gorhani, Jos('])Ii, 35. 
Goujrli, .lohn r... 77. 
Graham, Al.'xaiicUT, 14(i. 

Ai.(hi-\v S., 1(1-. 100. 

GfoiKO i;.. 1-J7, 
Graiil>\ C'iii>ii(i. S.l. 
Grand' List <>l .>i\ iuuiir,'(i9. 10:{. 
Graiuiiss. Isaac, v;j,">. 

Sarah, ->-Ji;. 

Thaiikliil, ■-'■Jii. 
Gray, llw. Mi. 1,".. 
Great mil K> I li si;istiealS<x:.,->;U 
Great Hill M. K Cliunh, llil. 
Great Hill Road. 40. 
Great Hill .s,!,,..,!. 19, 47, Ids. 
Green. .lam.-s. i:v,>. 

Sarah M., 171. 

Seth, 13-2. 
Gre^or.N-. Hyatt, 95. 

Joku, 2-24. 
Grogan, Wm., 95. 
Griftn, John, 25. 
Grissell, Jeremiah, 56. 
GriswoM, Rev. Samuel, 2U. 
Cmnn, Abel, 43, 186. 

Abigail, Mrs.. 47. 

George, 132. 

Simoi). 56. 

Tlauies, Cliauneey, 132. 
Hall, Col. Beu.iaiuiu, 43. 
Hallin-au, IJarvev. S.. 134. 

William, Km', 133, 
Han, .Mi(.lia<-1. LMi. 
Hanford, Mr., 1.^5, 
ilanley, John, 95. 

Samuel, 40. 
Hard, Charles, F., 15. 137. 

Cornelius, 137. 

Ellen, C, 16. 110. 

Jame.s, 7. 

Lydia, A., 16. 

Mai-y, 226. 
Harden, Jonah, 56, 129, 
Harding, James, 106. 
Harger, Alfred, 132. 

Ebeuezer, 7. 

Edward. 47. 

Henry, 110. 
Harris, Mrs. A. A., 15, 

Reuben, Rev., 174. 
Harri.son, Rev, Mr,, 14. 

Sarah, 164. 
Hart, John M., 132, 133. 
Hartshorn, Jesse, 63. 
Hartson, John L., 82. 134. 

Lyniau, 1S2. 
Hassakee Meadow JBrook, 47,231, 

232. 
Haswell, James G., 172. 
Hatch, Chauncy M., 63, 132. 133. 
Hatte, Matilda, 129. 
Havemeyer, William H., 163. 
Hawes, David, 109. 
Hawkins, Abraham, 45, 47, 

Betsey, 198. 

Elizabeth, 198. 

tVeegift, 45. 

Jane, 210. 

John, 38. 

Joseph, 38, 56, 150. 

Philo, 223. 

Polly, 212. 

Sara, Mrs., 201. 

Sarah. 206. 



Hawkins, Silas. 214. 
Truman, loe. 
Zachariah, 20it. 

Hawlev, Benjamin. 25. 

David, 199. 

Elizabeth, 156. 

John, 150. 

Samuel, 40, 207. 

Samuel, Rev.,;i27. 

WilUam, 95. 
Hayden, Richard E.. 95. 
Hayes, Edward, 25. 

Eli, 77. 

Nancy, 211. 

"William, 135, 
Havman, Mrs. Charlotte, 16, 
ndilev, i;<il.eit. 10(1, 134,20.5,206, 
Il.'hai'd, Kcv, Elijah, 175. 
Heihl.li. Tlu.mas M., 132. 
Heilman, I'hillip, 140. 
Heniiniiwav, Samuel, 1.58. 
Hendrvx, .iaiiics, W.. 95. 

W: E., 7ii, 1 17, 134, 135, 1.56. 1,83. 
Hendryx & Peek, 103. 
Henry, Susan, 172, 215. 
Hemiance, Miss, 101, 118, 
HiCKOX F.\JI1LY, 169. 

EUzabeth, 129. 

Harriet, 155. 

Josiah, 107. 

Sarah, 167. 

Samuel R., 69, 79,82,84,111-12. 
115-6, 127, 177, 182. ia3. 
High School, 77, 83, 101. 
High School Association, 85. 
Hiuh School Room, 102. 
Highways, ,52, 60, 124. 
Hill, Maria, 1.59. 

Mary A., 16. 

WiUiam T., Rev.. 179. 
Hill street, 87. 
Hilton, John, 134. 
Hine, Amos, 21, 75, 179. 

Arlon, 220. 

Samuel B., 114. 

Sylvester, 15. 

William, 56. 
Hinman, Jesse L.. 173. 

Maria, 209. 

Molly, 206. 

Philo, 21. 

Simeon, 109. 

WiUiam. 133. 
Hitchcock Family. 220. 

Betsev, 1.54. 

Buri'itt, 72, 77, 182, 217, 

Daniel, 132. 

Denzel, 09, 82. 11,5, 170. 

Gad, 132. 

John, 44, 

Jonathan, 45, 48, 

Joseph, 100, 183. 

Lucy, 57, 173. 

Samuel, 200. 

Sheldon, 176. 

Timothy, 66, 129,176,182,223. 

Urania, 176. 
Hoadlev, Edward L., 90, 105, 

William, 187. 
Hohart, Right Rev, John H., 26. 
Hodge, George L., 72. 82. 120. 

Mrs., 117. 

Robert, 202, 

Thomas, 225. 
Hodge & Co., 72, 120. 
Hog's Mea*low Purchase, 53. 
HOLliKOOK Fa.MILY, 160. 

Abel, 82, 89,90,104-5,110,1.50. 

Cyrus, 212. 

Daniel, Capt., 47, 48, .52. 63, 
72, 199, 176. 

Daniel, Col., 161. 



llolhrook, Dani.-l, Jr„ 112, 113, 

Dani.l L,, 81, 82. 

Dani.'l, 4tli,42, 45-6, .56, 82. 84. 

Daniel, ,5th, 197. 

Esther, 211. 

Gracie, 197. 

John, 43, 219. 

John, Capt., 4.5. 46, .52, 160. 

Lois, 129 

Louis, 10. 

.Maria, Mrs., 13, 

Xalhan, 101, 105, 108. 

Nathaniel, 25, 150, 151. 

I'liilo. 2,5, ,S5, 1.50. 

Philo, Capt., 46, 72, 82. 84, 
86, 102-:J-4-5, 213. 

Uichard. 151. 

Sarah, 71. 

Thomas W., 2.-', 160. 

William E.. 111. 
Holeonib, Annie, 111. 

.John W.. 'Xk 2(14, 20.5, 
Hohlen, .Mrs. Fi.hlia E., 13. 14. 
Holereti, James, 95. 
Hollan.l, Charles I',., 9,-.. 
llolloway, Jolin, 14(1. 
Uolmcs, Samuel, -7. 

William K., 133. 
Honiau, George W., 95. 
Hooker, Chauncev, 218. 
Holt, Abigail, 225'. 
Hopkins, Dr. Samuel, 38, 

Lois, 201. 
Hosmer, Stephen T., 131, 
Hotchki.ss, A. T., 110, 111, 

Charles T., 111. 

David, 116. 

Elia.s, 79. 

Harriet, 15, 201, 202. 

Harvey, 101, 105, 137. 

Hei)8ibah, 225. 

Levi, Lieut., 47. 

Lucy, 217. 

Lydja, 154, 

Mary, 225. 

Mary A., 117. 

Mr., 75. 

Nancy, 161. 

Reuben H., 87. 

Samantha, 218. 

Thomas, 21. 
Ilon-hlallin- Charles 1).. 147. 
H..iisat.mir Vairev, 12.5, 
Howard, James, 102, 108. 
Howd, Edward, 45, 46, 63, 78. 

John, 40-l-2-.5-(i-8, 57-9. 

Samuel, 205. 
Howe, Lydia, 224, 

Sir W''illiam, 12.3. 

Sybil, 164. 

"S*"illiam, 123. 
Howlaud, Andrew, Mrs,. 1,59. 

Rev. Seneca, 179. 
Hubbard, Abraham. Capt.. 161. 

Calvin A., 95. 
Hubbell, Betsey. 224. 

HartC. 171. 

Lewis, 46. 

Phebe, A., 15. 

, 209. 

Hughes, WilUam A., 7s, 134. Isii, 
Hri-L Family, 172. 

Ab\jah, 26. 46. 195. 

Alfred, 16, 19. 

Andrew, 159. 

Benjamin, 63. 

Isaac, 64. 

John Clark, 89.211. 

Joseph. 35, 40, 41, .59. 

Juhette, Mrs. 15. 

Miss, 111. 

Samuel, 46, 56, 

Sarah. 199. 



>38 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 



Hull,Wm. M., 14, 79, 8C, IIH. 174. 
Hulse, Jose])li, 52. 
Huma.ston, Eoswell, 82. 
Humphiey & Wooster, 71, 79. 
Humphrey, proposed name, 84, 89 
HumphreV Lodge, No. 26, K. of 

P.', 134. 
Humi)hr6ys, Aarou, Rev., 26. 

Bernard, 220. 

Cyrus, 133, 170. 

D,, Rev., 17, 45, 48,54, 188. 

David, Gen., 11, 17, 49, 59, 
64, 65, 113, 114, 120, 12G, 
128, 129, 188. 

David, 2nd, 129. 

David, 3rd, 129. 

David's, Gen., Flag, 65. 

Elyah, 69. 

George, 124. 

John, 47, 52, 68, 69. 

John, Eu.sign, 46, 47. 

John, Jr., Hon., 129, 114. 

John, Lieut., .')2. 

Willi.'un, (■<•), 11.1, 129. 
Humi.liivy.svillr. m. 
Humiilivrysx illr Academy, 77. 
Humplnvysvillr Copper iCo.. 79, 

83, 87. 
Humphreysville Graveyaid A.h- 

sociation, 71. 
Humphreysville Greys, 73, 
Humphreysville High School 

Association, 85. 
Humphreysville Library Co., 87. 
Humphreysville Lyceum. 74. 
Humphreysville Mfg. Co.. 68,70, 

85, 120. 
Humphreysville & Salem Turn- 
pike Co., 86. 
Humphreysville Total Absti- 
nence Society, 76. 
Humphries, Eev.Humphi'ey, 178 
Hunt, Rev. Jesse, 175. 

Aaron, Rev., 174, 175. 
Huntington, Miss, 152. 

Natlianiel, Rev. G.. 219. 
Hurd, Anna, 194-5-fi. 

Charity, 211. 

Harriett, 199. 

Henry G., 102, 105. 

James W., 132. 

Sarah, 129. 

Sheldon, 82. 121. 

Silas, 109. 

William, 131. 

Wilson, 25, 151. 

Zedock, 196. 
Hurlburt, Charles R., 152. 

Mary A., 16. 

Orilla E., 14. 

Thomas, 95, 137. 
Hutchiu.son, Rev. Sylvester, 174. 
Hyatt, Daniel, 132. " 
Hyde, Abijah. 70, 77, 170. 

Charles L., 82. 

Edwin, 157. 

Marcus. 110. 

Mr., 77. 

Orson, 77. 

Hes, Charles, 95. 
Indians, 31 to 37. 
Indian Lands, Sale of, 5, 6. 7. 63, 

40, 41, 42. 
Indian Lands, Value of. 5. 
Ineson, Joseph, 100, 135. 
Isbell, Sarah, 219. 

Jackson, Andrew, 95. 
Jagger, Rev. Ezra, 178. 
James, Cornelius W., 101-2-3-5-7, 
134. 
George A., 198. 



James, John, 208. 

Thomas, 87, 89, 108, 152. 
Janes, Bi.shop, 179. 
Jardine, Mr., 27. 
Jayne, Rev. Peter, 174. 
Jennings, Eunice, 212. 
Jewett, Rev. Stephen, 27, 69. 
Jocelyn, Rev. Augustus, 174. 
Johnson Family, 200. 

Abner, 55, 231. 

Alexander, 25, 38. 39, 129. 

Araaritta, 199. 

Ann, 220. 

Asahel, 21, 45. 

Benajah, 37, .38, 41. 128. 129. 

Bertha E., 16. 

Capt., 156. 

Charles, 35. 

Chauncey, .56, 113. 129. 

Cyathia,' 176. 

Daniel, 146, 147. 

David, 16, 45, 56, 74. 75, 112, 
128, 197. 

Ebeuezer, 6, 36,45, 48,113,200 

Ebenezer B., 21, 112. 

Ebeuezer, Capt., 7. 

Ebenezer, Col., 8, 35, 129. 

Ebenezer, Maj., 7. 

Eleanor, 129. 

Elijah, 39, 56, 129. 

Elizabeth, 196. 

Gideon, 21, 41, 42, 45, 47. 

Hannah, 35, 39. 

Hannah P,, 10. 

Harvey, 212, 223. 

Henry C, 84, 304. 

HenrVS., 89, 104. 

Hepsibah, 129, 170. 
, Hezekiah, 112, 113, 129. 

Hiram, 82. 

Isaac, 10, 51, 53, 113, 194. 

Jesse, Rev., 57, 113, 114, 121, 
173, 176, 129, 206. 

James D., 216. 

Jesse, Jr., 113, 130. 

Joseph, 25, 112, 113, 114, 130, 

Levi, 56, 197. 

Lois, 194, 129. 

Lucy, 155. 

Mabel. 194, 198. 

Nathaniel, Capt.. 25, 26, 42, 
46, 48, 51. 

Newel, 69, 114, 11,5, 121, 132. 

Olive, 57, 174. 

Peter, 48. 

Phebe, 128. 

Philo, 45. 

Phineas, 51. 

Sally, 205, 206. 

Sarah, 38, 128, 129, 161. 

Sheldon C, 29, 79. 139, 168. 

Silas, 57, 173. 

Stiles, 68, 113, 114, 130, 175, 
182. 

Timothy, 25, 35, 37,39, 56,130 

William B., 95, 183. 

Zerviah, 130. 
Jones, Anna, 204. 

Chester, 69, 70, 113. 114, 115, 
116, 132, 204. 

Ruth, 159. 

Sarah, 10, 204. 
Jones &, Keeney, 113. 
Joy, Jesse, 132,'l33. 

William W., 222. 
Judd, Appalina, 217. 

Chaueucy, 146. 

Ebenezer, 38. 

Lewis, 87, 102. 

Martha, Mrs., 196. 

Rachel, 164. 

Ralph, 95. 

Randall, 168. 



Judson, Anna, 213. 

David, 209. 

Joshua, 213. 
Justices of the Peace, 105. 

Kalmia Mills, 103, 104. 
Keast, Cathariue, 213. 
Kelleher, John, 216. 
KeUey, John, 56. 

Martin, 89, 134. 
KeUogg, Bela, Rev., 9, 12, 13, 19. 

Nathaniel, Rev., 177. 
Kelsey, Charles D., 100. 

G. T., 100. 
Kelsie, Corydon, 208. 

Dotha, 213. 
Kendall, Joshua, 15, 16, 69, 74, 
76, 78, 89, 104, 107, 108, 
135, 102, 103, 139, 198, 

Rhoda, 152, 110. 
Kennedy, Adella, 198. 
Kershaw, Henry, 152. 
Ketchum, Rev. Joel, 174. 
Kilgore, Arthur, 118. 
KQlon, John, 110. 
Ktmberly, Jerred, 213. 

Liberty, 55. 

Thomas, 186. 
Kinney Family, 215. 

Abraham, 130. 

Betsey Ann., 159. 

Ebenezer, 59, 40,41,47,45,194. 

Esther A., 219. 

Isaac, 27, 29, 69, 130, 116, 159 

Lydia, 57, 113. 

Medad, 21. 

Milo, 195. 

Nancy, 219. 

Roswell N., 13, 14, 105. 

Sheldon, 16, 19, 79, 82, 83, 86, 
87, 196. 

William, 16, 47, 68, 69, 130, 
Kinneytown Dam, 72. 
Kirtland, Elijah, 130. 

George, 35, 69, 70, 115, 183. 

Mrs., 181. 
Knowles, Isaac, 43. 

Ladd, Josie E., 110. 

Theodore S., 19, 105, 147, 183. 
Ladue, Julia A., 218. 
Lake, Augusta Ann, 206. 

Catharine A., 206. 

Miss, 215. 

Phedina, 208. 

Samuel, 212. 
Lane, Brothers, 178. 

John, 211, 130. 
Langdon, Rhoda L., 205. 
Lathrop, Augusta, Mrs., 15. 

Simon, 96. 
Leach, James, 51, 52, 113. 
Leaming, J. Fisher, 68. 
Leavenworth, Calvin, 64. 

George, 134. 

Isaac, 64. 

John, 35. 

JuUa, 111. 

Mark, Rev., 38. 

PoUy, 215. 

Thomas, 56, 201. 
Lebanon Brook, 6. 
Lee, Cyrus, 121. 

Jesse, Rev., 119, 173, 174. 

Mary, 164. 

Robert, 176, 182. 

William, 96. 
Leek, Betsey, 152. 
LeForge, Henry, 120, 132. 
Leigh, Anna, 212. 

Lewis E., 96. 
Leonard, Mrs. S. C, 16. 

Rev. S. C, 135. 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 



Lessen, Rev. E. J. K.. m. 
Lester, George E., 14, 19. 134. 
Murray, 157. 
Sarah, 'l57. 
Lewis, Edward, 71. 
Eleazer, 45, 151. 
Emily J., 208. 
Geo. G., 202. 

Maria, 211. 

Vinie A., 208. 

Lewis, E. & Co., 79. 

Lindley, Curtis, 72. 

Lindsley, Isaac, 82. 

Israel, 224. 

John, 71, 109, 110, 1.52. 

Miss, 117. 

Sabra, 88. 

Sarah, 110. 
Lines, Calvin, 112. 

James, 52. 

Joseph, 21. 

Lois, 154. 

Sarah AI., 16. 

Washington I., 140. 

Zehiilon, 56. 
Lingham, Rebecca, 
Lissbergcr, Lazarus, 87. 
Little River, 7. 
Llewellyn, Evan, 70, 152. 
Lockwood, Charles L., 162. 

Elizabeth O., 16, 112. 

Emma, 15. 

Henry B., 15. 

Mary", Mrs., 15. 
Long Plain, 47. 
Lopus, 39. 

Lord, Frederick, 152. 
Losee, Elijah, 152, 218. 

Isaac, 16, 64, 76, 115, 140. 

William, Mrs., 14. 
LoiJNSBURY Family, 217. 

Albert W., 96,117,182.183,208 

Crownage, 152. 

David, 152. 

Ethel, 56. 

Francis, 15. 

Henry W., 96. 

John L., 63. 

Levi, 16. 

Linns, 51. , 

Mark, 152. 

Timothy, Dr., 220. 

Victory, 223. 
Lovejoy, John, Rev., 177. 
Loveland, Arnold, 131. 

Ashbel, 21, 45, 52. 

Joseph, 45. 

Sarah, 41, 154. 

Truman, 21, 51. 
Lowe, WiUiam E., 162. 
Lucket, David, 96. 
Ijuckey, Rev. John., 177. 

Samuel, 177. 
Ludlow, Roger, 37. 

Sarah, 38. 
Lues, Ebenezer, 150. 
Luni, Adam, 131. 

Bennett, 109. 

Clark, 110, 111, 216. 

Edwin A., 159. 

EUza, 110. 

Enos, Capt., 147. 

Frank M., 134. 

Grace, 212. 

Hannah, 193, 196. 

John, Capt., 149. 

John, Jr., 150, 151. 

Joseph, Capt., 45. 

Jonathan, 7, 40, 150, 172, 201. 

Jonathan, Jr., 48. 

Mr., (teacher), 117. 

Philo, 109. 

Reuben, 25, 151, 212. 



Lum, Saiah, 172. 206. 

Sarah, Mrs., 160. 

William, Capt., 216. 

WiUiam D., 109, 147. 
Lyman, Annie E., 16. 

I. H., 86. 

Johnathan, Rev.. 44, .Vi. 

Marv, 205. 
Lynch, Rev. James, 84. 
Lynde, Dnane M., 96. 
Lyon, Jonathan, 174. 

Mary L., 172. 

Zabnon, Rev., 174, 175. 
Lyons, Charles B., 96. 

Marfll, Dr. William. 204. 
Mahoney, Daniel, 135. 

Patrick, 135. 

William, 135. 
Mallett, Betsey, 204. 

Frances, 171. 

Mary J., 171. 

Stephen S., 152. 
Mallory, Edmund, 217. 

Leverett P., 117. 152. 

Nathan, 52. 

Samuel, 170. 

Sophia, 171. 

William, 117, 183. 
- Manstield, Betsey, 199. 

EHza, 1 10. 

Jared, 151. 
—Nathan, 25, 45, 150, 210, 212. 

R«v. Ml-., 197. 
ManvUle, James, 25, 150. 
Marchant, John, 167. 

Marks, , 209. 

Marshall, John F., 74. 
Martin, Anna C, 114. 

Isaac N., 79. 

Jethio, 51. 

Milenna, 155. 

Mr., 75. 

Selima, 168. 
Mather, Mrs. Esther, 166. 

John P. C, 81. 
Matthews, Lois, 168. 

James R., 100. 
Mauwehu, Eunice, 17, 36. 

Joseph, 17, 32, 33, 40, 51, 59. 

Richard, Dr., 25, 26, 44, 145. 
McAxthur, Albert, 96. 
McCarthy, Charles, 135. 

Daniel, 135. 
McCombs, Rev. Laurence, 174. 
McCormick, 96. 
McCoy, Heni'y, 155. 
McEwen, David J., 132, 133, 208. 

Virgil H.,104, 106,107, 108,134 

WoosterB., 135. 

, 208. 

McEwen & Camp, 13<). 
McGary, Henry A., 132. 
McGraw, Saiah H., 226. 
McKay, Kate, 111. 
McLain, Lottie, 208. 
McMorrow, Francis, 135. 
McNumey, Michael, 140. 
McSparren, Clark, 204. 
Meacham, Maiy F., 110. 
Mechanics' Lodge, I.O.O.F.. 134 
Meigs, Charles, 198. 

Samuel, 80, 108, 132. 
Merino Sheep, 59. 
Merriam, Olive, 13. 
Merrick, Capt., 121. 

GeorgelL, 82,85, H7, 112. 
W. J., 134. 
Merwin, Rev. Samuel. 9, 177. 

Lucy S., 118. 
Meteoi'ological Notes, 76. 
Methodist Episcopal Church, 18, 



239 

Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Ikquest to, 68. " 

Deeds to, 6(!, 75. 

Description ol, 74. 

History of", 173- 1H3. 

Maples by. 77. 
Middlebuiv, 125. 
Miles, Jonathan, 25. 42, 46, 47. 
130, 149, 195. 

Milly, 212. 

Sheldon, 140, 182, 183. 

Theophilus, 25. 26,|41, 47, 51. 
64, 130, 195. 
Miller, Da^^d, Rev., 176, 178. 

John H., 140, 219. 
Military Titles, 8. 
Militia, 56. 

Officers of, 7. 
Mills, Caroline, 210. 

Rev. J. L., 15. 
Minor, George, 158. 

John, 156. 

Phebe, 168. 

Thomas B., 135. 
Mitchell, Samuel W., .56. 

William G., 134. 
Mix, Rev. Stephen, 166. 
Morgan, Charles, 1.32. 

Nathan W., 171. 
Morning Stai- Lodge, No. 47, F. 

& A. M., 131. 
Morris, Adon^ah, 224. 

Luzon B., 74, 84, 87, 104. 107. 

Martha, 118. 

Miyor, 52. 

Sarah, 196. 

Sheldon, 170. 

WUliam, 100, 131, 132, 133. 
Moshier, John S., 27, 64, 73, 97, 
121, 132, 198. 

Howard F., 213. 

MOULTHROP Fa&HLY, 224. 

Benjamin, 222. 

Lewis, 223. 

Seba, 56, 113. 114. 
Moulton, Russell, 218. 
Munn, Daniel, 167. 
Munson, H. B., 79, 80, 81, 82, 83. 
84, 90, 101, 102, 104, 105, 
117, 133, 140. 

Byron W., 96. 

Charles, 131. 

Dennis H., 183. 

Marcus E., 96. 

Thomas, 111. 
Murray, Abraham, 52. 
Mygatt, Henry S., 86, 87. 

Nathans, Isaac, 79. 
Naugatuck Railroad, 73, 76, 78,85. 
Naukotunk, 17. 
Nehawkumme, 42. 
Nettleton, Euos G., 25, 1:50. 

Josiah, 26, 132, 150, 151. 

Susanna, 168. 
Newel, Asahel, 52. 
New Haven &. Seymour Plank 

Road Co., "86. 
Neuschlor, Fred, 292. 
Newhcira, Adam, 102, 105. 
Newman, Robert, 188. 
Ne'wton, Charles, 134. 

Fletcher, 53. 

Henrietta, 170. 

Julius H., 147. 
Nicholas, Wni., 96. 
Nichols, Abel, Rev., 27. 

Anne, 193. 

Benjamin, 213. 

John, 197. 

Rev. Mr., 160. 

Samuel, 187. 

Sheldon, 216. 



240 

Nichols, William B., 15. 
Nixon, Itcv. -Johu, 177. 
Noble, riantis, 147. 

Heuiy L., -^03. 
Nortluop, Beardsley, Kev., 17ti. 

Betsey, 204. 

Ebenezer, 64, 301. 

H. D., Kev., 14. 

John, 152. 

Laura E., Mrs., 15. 

Mr., 115. 
Norton, Lucy, 130. 

Major Kussell, 222. 
Noyes, Hannah, 167. 
Nugent, C. C, 183. 
Nyumphs, 39, 41. 

Oatman, Chas., Ill, 115. 
O'Brien, George, 96. 

Timothy, 135. 
O'Callaghan, Dennis. 135. 
Ockemunge, 42. 
O'Claughessy, David, 96. 
O'Donnell, William, 135. 
Old Coins, 23, 24. 
Old Field Brook, 109. 
Olmstead, Mrs. C. J., 15. 

, 157. 

O'Riley, Rt. Rev. Bernard, 84. 
Ormsbee, Sarah L., 14. 
Osborn, David, Rev., 179. 

Ebenezer, 56. 

Ensign, 52. 

Gilbert E., 198. 

Harry, 132, 218. 

Harvey, 170. 

Joseph, 43. 

Lois, 197. 

Mattie, 16. 

Merritt, 162. 

Moses, 175. 

Noah, 15. 

Sarah, 170. 

Sarah M., 110. 

Sarah S., 16. 

Thomas, 43. 
Ostrander, Rev. Daniel, 174-5-7. 
Oxford, 39, 88, 125. 

Incorporation of, 54, 55. 

Parish of, 43. 

St. Peter's, 44. 

Page, Charles, 224. 

Edmund, 57. 

Philo, 56. 
Paine, Mary Ann, 214. 
Papermaking in Seymour. 72, 120 
Pardee, Abigail, 225. 

Austin R., 76. 

John, 224. 
Park, 8, 47. 
Parker, Eri, 168. 

Norman, 87. 

Salmon, 56. 
Parmelee, IraE., 152. 
Patchen, Eleazer, 56, 113. 

Jane, 70, 120. 
Patcher, Jane, 218. 
Patterson, Henry, 78. 
Paugussett, 5, 6, 21, 43. 
Pease, Rev, Wm. T., 177. 
Peck, Bezaleel, 21, 54, 112, 113, 

Ebenezer, 113, 130. [176,182. 

Edward G., 138. 

Elbert A., 102. 

Justus, 154. 

Martha, 176, 205, 222. 

Naaman, 54. 

Nathan, Jr., 83. 

Noah, 52. 

Orrin, 176. 
Peet, Elijah, 210. 
Perkins, A: igail, 220. 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 



Perkins, Jesse C, 117. 

Lucinda, 170. 

Mary, 217, 219. 

Peter, 170. 

Ruben, 47. 

Ruth, 217. 

Sarah, 223. 
Pero, 38. 
Pebry Family, 213. 

Johu, 56. 

Martin, 96. 

Nancv, 212. 

Rev. L. P., 180. 

Yelverton, 210, 212. 
Pettingil, Rev. Amos, 13. 69. 
Phantou, Lauia, 205. 
Phelps, Anson G., 72, 73. 85. 

Charles B., 87. 

Edward D., 96, 134. 
Pickett, John, 45. 

Rachel, 197. 
Pickhaidt, Carrie L., 16. 
Pierce, Rev. Aaron, 176. 181. 
Piersou, Aaron, 115. 

David, 46. 

Elizabeth C, 15. 

Lieut., 52. 

Nathan, Capt., 47. 

Rev. Mr., 186. 

Richard, 100. 
Pinesbridge, 38, 39. 
Pine Tree ShiUiag, 23. 
Pitcher, Thomas, 56. 
Pitt, John, 77, 130. 
Plant, Ebenezer, 48. 
Piatt, Geo. B., 1.32. 

Josiah, 193. 

Miss, 152. 
Poe, Edgar A., 127. 
Poke By-law, 89. 
Polly, Jarvis, 82. 
Pool, Micah, 48, 149, 150. 
Pope, M. H., 134. 
Postmasters, 79. 
Potter, Esther, 221. 

Gideon, 225. 

Miss, 158. 
Pound By-law, 82. 
Powers, Alden, 218. 
Prescott, Sherman, 212. 
Priestly, John, 52. 
Prince, Chas., 96. 

Truman, 217. 
Prindle, Rev. Chauncey. 26, 44. 

John, 52. 
Pritchard, Ennis, 47. 

Jabez E., 83, 84, 105, 224. 

Jabez, Lieut., 50, 52, 123, 138. 

James, Jr., 47, 195. 

Leverett, 21, 25,56,69,76, 195. 

Olive, 160. 
Prudden, Peter, 170. 

Sally, 170, 171. 

Samuel, 171. 
Pugsley, Cornelius, 214. 
Pulford, Frederick W., 139. 
PuUing, Rev. A. B., 126, 180,181. 
Pullman, Rev. Joseph, 102, 180. 
Purvis, Rev. John, 27. 
Putnam, Daniel I., 76, 134. 

O. C, 161. 

Quaker Farms, 40, 127. 
Quaker Farms Purchase, 43. 
Quick, Rev. A. J., 15. 
Quiering, Freddie, 16. 
Christian, 152. 

RadcUffe, Walter W., 199. 
Radford, H.A., 74,87,105,134,135 
Randall, Charles, 74. 

Hiram, 130. 

Hiram W., 69, 71, 84, 104. 



RandaO, M. M., 139. 
Rankin, S. H. 183. 
Ransom, Charles, 132, 133. 

Raymond, , 214. 

Raymond French & Co., 72. 
Raynor, Rev. Menzies, 174. 
Reatle, Elizabeth, 167. 

Phebe, 167. 
Redshaw, Joseph G., 198. 
Regan, Michael, 135. 
Representatives, list of, 105. 
Revolution, Incidents of, 145. 
Revolutionary period. 45-52. 

Soldiers, 38, 39, 49, 52, 147. 
Suflerings of, 123. 
Reynolds, A. F., Prof., 118. 

Charles, J., 16. 

EUa F., Mrs., 15. 

John T., 97. 

Judah, 188. 

Rufus K., 179. 

WUUam B., 138. 
Rheylee, Archer, 56. 
Rice, Amelia, 199. 

George, 79. 85. 

Rev. Phinehas, 174. 
Richardson, Mrs. James, 15. 
Ricks, Mi's. Emmeline, 14. 
Ricketts, Geo. R. A., 87. 
Rider, Clara S., 110. 

EUzabeth, 159. 

Henry A., 69, 132, 133. 

John J., 78, 82, 86, 172. 

Mrs. H. A., 15. 

Stephen R., 101-2-5,133,152-8. 
RiGGS Family, 197. 

Abigail, 194. 

Anna, 128. 

Betsey, 130. 

Da\ad, 128. 

David C, 146. 

David W., 219. 

Ebenezer, 44, 46, 170. 

Ebenezer, Capt., 48. 

EHzabeth M., 161. 

Garey, 132, 133. 

Harpin, 28, 82-3-9, 103-4-7, 164 

Harriett, 110, 161. 

James, 195. 

John, 46, 58, 109, 121, 130,171, 
200. 

John, Capt., 46, 47, 53, 56. 

John H., 97, 114, 138. 

Joseph, 53, 63, 128. 

Joseph, Capt., 55, 46. 

Joseph, Lieut., 52. 

Laui-a, 170, 171. 

Lowis, 47. 

Lucinda, 155. 

Lyman, 132. 

Mary, 130. 

Moses, 25, 58, 130, 161. 

Samuel, 53,56,114,131,132,194 

Samuel, Ensign, 7. 

Sarah, 39, 110, 117, 188. 
Riley, Horace, 77. 
Rimiuon Birrying Ground, 39, 128 
Rimmon Dam, 74, 78. 
Rimmon District, 47. 
Rimmon Hill, 39. 
Rimmon Paper Co., 77, 123. 
Rimmon Water Co., 102. 
Roads Across Great HUl, 40. 
Roads, Shrub Oak to Derby Nar- 
rows, 60. 
Roads to Waterbury, 40. 
Robbins, Nehemiah, 85. 
Robert, John W., 209. 
Roberts, Rev. George, 174. 
Robinson, Geo. B., 170, 220. 

James, 89. 

Mrs. E. A., 15. 
Rocker's Hill, 7, 40, 52. 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 



>A1 



Rock Rimmon, 39. 
Rock Spring Division. 76, !>'. 
Rockwell, Jacob, 132. 
Rogers, Ammi, Rev., 2e. 

Evan, Rev., 174. 

Geo. A., 105, 134. 

H. C, 97, 183. 

John W., 105. 

Mary A., 205. 
Roman Catholic Churcli. 18. 84. 
Rood, Isaac, 138. 
Root, Oliver, .52. 
Rose, Henrv, 97. 
Roeelle, Samuel, 72. 89. 105. 120. 
Rowe, Daniel, 173, 

Isaac, 114, 226. 

John, 195. 

Keziah, 206. 
Rubbermill Burned, 101. 
Rugs, Fi-ed A., 134. 

Harvev, 134. 
Russell, Eliza. 109. 

Frank H., Mrs., 115. 

Henry, 74. 

Joseph, 46, 48, 154. 

Samuel, 45. 149, 150, 211. 

Stephen D., 28, 89, 90. 101. 
102, 105, 133. 

Timothy, 224, 231. 
Ryan, John, 97. 

Patrick, 97. 

William E., 97. 

Sackett, David, 156. 

Mary A., 180. 
Sage, Harlow P., 115. 
Saltonstall, Sir Richard. 207. 
Sanford, Augusta, 110. 152. 

A. H., Rev., 69. 

David, 70, 130, 132. 147. 

Eli, 163. 

Herschel, 217. 

Joseph, 52, 147. 

John, 56. 

Miss, 158. 

Moses, 56. 

Olive, 156. 

Raymond, Capt., 50, 147. 

Samuel, Dr.,25,54-5-7.130.195 

Sarah, 206. 

Sheldon C, 13. 

S. P., 39, 

Thomas, 86. 

Zadoc, 39. 
Sargent, Clement A., 74, 161. 
Satterlee, Samuel K., 87. 
Schennerhom, Catharine, 172. 
Schneider. Henry C, 140. 
Scholefield, Rev. Arnold, 175. 176 
Schools of Seymour, 106. 
Falls, 46. 



Bell, 112, 152. 

Bungay, 47, 110. 

Cedar Ridge, 111. 

Center, 107, 117, 1.52. 

Consolidation of, 103. 

First Intermediate, 117. 

Great HiU, 108, 150. 

High, 101, 108. 

Second InteriiuMli;ite, 117. 

Shrub Oak, 47. KMi, 110, 1.52. 

Squaiitiukl)isfii( t. 109. 
School Societies, 10(i. 1(18. 
School Vi.sitor8. 107, 118. 
Scott, Henry, 109. 

Jesse, 131. 

John, 202, 134. 

Prudence, 217. 

Ruth Ann, 202. 

R. W., 134. 

, 147. 

Sco villa, Mr., 145. 
Scranton, Amos H., 140. 



Scranton. Monroe, 108. 
Scucurra, 6. 
Seabury, Rev. Geo., 29. 
Seanier, Mer<;y, 203. 
Searl, Rev. Roger, 174. 
Seeley, William, 146, 147. 
Segears, Edwin C, 15. 
Selectmen of SejTiiour, 105. 
SeUeck, Joel F., 111. 
Seymoui', Maiy, 63. 
Thomas it., 73. 
Seymour and New Haven Plank 

Ro»d Co., 86. 
Seymour and Woodbury Plank 

Road Co., 87. 
Seymour Bible Society, 135. 
Seymour boundaiies, change, 88. 
Seymour in the Rebellion, 90. 
Seymour Record, 14* 
Seymour Savings Bank, 86. 
Shannon, M. P., Mrs., 29. 

O. E., Rev.,28,29, 101,102,107 
Shakve Family, 207. 

Charles W., Rev. ,117,118.152 

David W., 97. 

Lugrand, 18, 117, 127, 1,56. 

181, 183, 
Mary, 127, 
Olive Maria, 218. 
Thomas, of Boston, 207. 
Thomas, of Stratford, 207. 
Thomas, of Newtown, 127. 
Thomas, of Oxford, 208. 
Thomas, of Seymour, 140,181 
Wilham C, 107, 108, 111. 
139, 140, 181, 183. 
Sheard, Charles, 16. 
Shehan, Cornelius, 97. 
Sheldon, Francis, 97. 
Shelton, Ann Eliza, 110. 

Geo. P., 73, 74, 82, 84, 85, 86. 
Shenson, John, 133. 
Sherman, Charles, 15. 
C. S., Rev., 15. 
Lemuel, 210. 
Mary, 167. 
PoUy, 208. 
Rebekah, 167. 

, 136. 

Shei-man & Beard.sley, 79. 
Sherwood, Cornelia E., 152. 
Short, Sylvester, 97. 

Chai-les, 134. 
Shubael, 38. 
Shultz, AdtUe, 162. 
Silliman, Benjamin, 229. 
Simpson, Mrs. D,, 16. 
Skeals, Abial, 56. 
Skeel, Hannah, 169. 
Skeels, Jason, 130. 
Skiene, Margaret, 172. 
Skokorat, 6, 40, 41, 42. 
Small Pox, 54, 57, 79. 
Smith, Abner, Rev., 119. 
Abraham, 45. 
Albert E., 110. 
Almon, 115. 
Alouzo T., 78. 
Amos, 116, 172. 
Anna, 216. 
Anson, 97. 
Arthur J., 182. 
Bela, Rev., 176. 
Bevil P., 86. 

BuitonW. 28-9,71-2-3-4-6-7-8-9 
90, 101-2-4-5-7-9, 140, 152. 
Caroline, 204. 
Charlotte M., 111. 
Christopher, 108, 109,149.1.50 
Corporal, 52. 
Cynthia, 161. 
Daniel, 132. 
Daniel, Rev., 177. 



Smith, David. 215. 
Dinah, 221. 

Edwin, 70, 89,10.5,180,183,223 
Elijah, 5(5. 
EUza, 172. 
Emily, 110. 
Ephraim, 109. 
Ephraim G., Rev., 19. 
Esther, 212. 
E. W., Rev., 179. 
PYank A., 16. 
George, 134, 139, 223. 
George A., 97. 
Gibson, 113. 
Hannah, 217. 

Ira, Col., 10, 63, 113, 130, 155 
Ira, Rev,, 19, 20, 68, 
Isaac, 45, 48. 
James, 140, 164. 
James M., Rev., 174. 
Jesse, 56, 69, 130, 195. 
John, 105, 110, 132, 151, 22.3. 
JohnD., Rev., 27, 178. 
John W., 103. 
Joseph H., 134. 
Joseph, Rev., 180, 182. 
Lydia, Mrs., 225. 
L\Tnan, 56, 70, 71, 114. 
^largaret, 16. 
Mary A., 109. 
Matilda, 110. 
Matthias, 218. 
M. Maria, Mis., 161. 
Nathan, Major, 147. 
Samuel, Jr., 46, 113. 
Saiah, 130. 

Sylvester, Rev., 75, 77, 79, 
82, 86-7, 102-3-4-7-9, 111, 
112, 121,177-8-9,180,182-3, 
Sylvester P., 206. 
Titus, 217. 
Watie G., 197. 
WUbur W., Capt., 73, 97. 

103, 108, 122. 
William, 52, 108, 212. 
William C, 82. 
WiUiam E., 179. 
WiUis, 132. 

, 2Q8, 214. 

Smith & Bassett, 79, 121, 123. 
Smith & Sanford, 114. 
Smith's Paj)ermill, 103, 121. 
Soldiers ot the Revolution, 38, 
39, 49 to 52, 147. 
War of 1812. 63, 147. 
Mexican War, 73. 
Wai' of the Rebelbon, 92, 147. 
Somers, Elvira W., 110. 

Charity, 157. 
Soule, Henchman S., 87. 
South Britain, 125. 
Southbiu-y, 125. 
Southford, Union Church, 127. 
Sparks, Rev., Thomas, 178. 
Spencer, Elizabeth, 170. 

James L., 15,16,74,76,130, 139 
Mary E,, 16. 
John, 56. 
Rufus, 110. 
Sperry, AdoUne, 13, 158. 
Alexander, 52. 
Elizabeth, 206. 
Emmarotta, 110, 199. 
Emmeline, 13. 
Erastus, 154. 
Erazmass, 113. 
George C, 140. 
Grace, 224. 
Isaac J., 13, 114, 152. 
Jabin, 52. 
Job, 52. 
Joshua, 53. 
Jonathan, 52, 53. 



242 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 



Sperry. Julia, 154. 

Laura A., 152. 

Miss, 217. 

Norniau, 102, 103,107.108,198 

PWlo, 52, 53. 

Rufus, Mrs., 15. 

Samuel, 53. 

Silas, 131. 
Shelton, David, 215. 

WiUiam, 211. 
Skeels, Arad, 212. 

Delia, 212. 
Snell, Mrs. Eliza, 202. 
Spiers, John, 140. 
Squantuck, 7, 52. 
Squantuck School, 109. 
Squares, Reuben, 167. 
Squire, Kuth, 15C. 

Solomon, 156. 
Stanbury, Alice, 162. 
Stanley, Celia A., 118. 
Stearns, Rev. Chas., 79, 179. 
Steele Family, 203, 222. 

Albert J., 74, 75, 79, 117, 220. 

Ashbel, 47, 113. 

Deacon Bradford, 10, 16, 19, 
21, 39, 50, 58, 69, 113, 114, 
123, 126, 130, 163, 204. 

BratUord, Lieut., 45, 52. 

Bradford, Capt., 21, 41, 45, 
46, 47, 50, 130, 195, 204. 

Edmund, 114, 115, 219. 

Elisha, 21. 

EmmeUne, Mrs.. 14. 

Eunice, 195. 

Frank E., 105. 

George, 56, 146. 

John B., 107, 117. 

Mary, 130. 

Millie, 215. 

Norman, 130. 

Sarah, 10, 68. 

William W., 76. 
Stetson, Nancy, 209. 
Stevens, Ann S., Mrs.. 62, 126-7. 

Edward, 127. 

James A., 76, 79, 134. 

Rev. Ebenezer, 174. 
Stevenson, Rev. Thomas, 180. 
Stiles, Mr., 174. 

Nathan, 25, 113. 

Nathan Jr., 56. 

Phebe, 63. 
Still, Jacob L., 97. 
Stilson, Sarah, 193, 194. 
Stockwell, Geo. E., 183. 
Stoddakd Family, 165. 

Abiram, Dr., 130. 203. 

John, 82, 85, 130. 

OHver, 112. 

Oliver H., 56, 132. 

Eunice, 130. 203. 

Thomas, Dr., 17, 36, 79. 82, 
117, 139, 174. 

Hannah, 113. 

Susan H., 203. 

WiUiam B., 101. 
Stone, Leman, 57. 

Miss, 168. 

Noah, 132. 

Rollin S., Rev., 12, 13, 19. 
Stone Bridge, 46. 
Storer, E. G., 133. 
Storrs, Ashbel, 22, 87. 103, 112. 
122, 133, 140. 

Charles W., 73, 79. 103, 108, 
139, 152, 170. 

Hattie L., 206. 

John W., 74, 76, 77, 78, 79. 

John, 130, 132. 

Arthur L., 134. 

William N., 89, 105, 182, 183. 

Laura, 155. 



Strapp, Edward, 135. 
Stratford Bridge, 57. 
Stratton, Seth Sherwood, 208, 209 

Shelton B., 209. 
Streets, High, 82. 

Names of, 124. 

Humphrey, 72. 
Strong, Josiah, 48, 56. 

Leman, 56. 

Mary, 214. 

Preserved, 167. 
Stuart, L. B., 140. 

Ml-., (Teacher), 117. 
SulUvan, Peter, 135. 
Summers, Lucinda, 218. 
Sutton, Nancy, 110. 
Swain, Rev. Richard, 174. 
Swan, James, 15, 19, 104. 105, 
141, 155. 

Jessie, 16. 
Swayne, Rachel, 226. 
Swift, Charles W., 97. 

Charles, 74, 76. 152. 

Ephraim, Rev. G., 13. 19. 

Hortie V., Mrs., 15. 

John, 52, 60. 

Josiah, 26, 56, 113, 114. 

Mary A., 117. 

Sarah, 110, 111. 

Zephaniah, Rev., 10, II, 12. 
13, 19 
Sykes, Rev. O., 71, 174, 176. 178. 

Talmadge, James, 44. 
Taylor, Elihu, 210. 

General, 77. 

Isora, 172. 

Rev. Geo. L., 180. 

Rev. Joshua, 174. 
Teacher's Institute, 101. 
Teachers, names of, 109, 110,111, 

117, 118. 
Temperature, Notes on, 84, 89. 
Terrill, Elizabeth, 223. 

Jane, 110, 111. 

Sarah, 164. 

Smith, 112. 

Solomon, 111. 
Tharp, Eliza, 155. 
Thatcher, Rev. William. 174, 175 
Thaver, BenjamraB,, 100, 148. 

Mrs. B. B., 16. 

Reuben W., 97. 

William, 98. 
The Fowler Nail Co., 122. 
The New Haven Copper Co., 87. 

142. 
Thomas, Francis N., 111. 

George W., 131. 

Rev. Noble W., 174. 

Thadias, 56. 
Thompson Family, 1H8. 

Anthony, 188. 

Bridgett, 187. 

Charles, Rev., 13, 19. 

Cynthia, 209. 

Daniel, 114. 

Hannah, 224. 

Jabez, 48. 



Joseph, 208, 209. 
Mary Ann, 209. 



Thomson, Rev. Wm. J., 16. 

Hezekiah, 113. 

Lois, 70, 120. 

Major Jabez, 45, 48. 

Mehitable, 170. 

Rebecca, 220. 

Reuben, 170. 

Thorpe, , 210. 

Tibbals, Rev. C. A., 181. 
Tibbils, Abner, 151. 



Tift, John, 43. 
Titles, CivU and Military, 8. 
Toby's Rock, 36, 39, 46. 
Todd, Rev. Ambrose, 26. 

SybU, 161. 
Toffey, Mary A., 171. 
ToUes, Miss, 217. 
Tolls, Caroline, 155. 

William, 168. 
ToMLiNSON Family, 210. 

Agur, 45. 

Ammon, 109. 

Benjamin, 149. 

Betsey, 109. 

Burr, 209. 

Cyrus, 56. 

Daniel, 150. 

David, 47, 151, 172. 175, 211. 

David, Mrs., 175. 

Edwin, 105. 

EUen, 160. 

Emma S., 110, 117. 

George A., 213. 

H. AT, 110. 

Hannah, 7. 

Harrison, 73, 79, 83, 85, 86, 
116, 117, 171. 

Henry, 45, 150, 149, 214. 

James, 175. 

James C, 106. 

Jane, 109. 

Jennette, 217. 

John, 209. 

John R., 171. 

John, Capt., 45. 46, 47. 48. 

Joseph, 150. 

Kate, 213. 

Laura, 111, 206, 211, 212. 

Leroy, 112. 

Levi, 21, 25, 54, 113, 195. 

Mark, 130. 

Mary, 117. 

Nathan, 152. 

Noah, 46, 47, 48. 

Patience, 214. 

Phebe, 110. 

PMLo, 195. 

Ransom, 73, 87, 98, 152. 

Rev. Nathaniel W., 9, 10. 

Russell, 25, 150, 209, 211. 

Samuel, 40, 201. 

Sarah, 172, 211. 

SybU, 214. 

Truman, 215. 

Webb, 150. 

WiUiam, 7. 

WiUiam R., 52,56,105,109,100 
Torrance, Thomas, 52. 53. 
Touantic Brook, 47. 
Towner, Joseph, 43. 
Townhouse, 102. 
Town Clerks, List of, 104. 
Town Debt, 104. 
Town Reports, 103. 
Town Treasurers, List of, 104. 
Tracey, Patrick, 89. 
Trainmg Day, 70. 
Travis, Mrs., 152. 

Rev. Rohert, 178. 
TreadweU, Mary, 207, 208. 
Treat, Robert, 6. 

David, 60. 
Trinity Church, 25. 
Trowbridge, Amasa, 122. 

Isaac, 43, 44. 

Mary, 221. 
Truesdell, Lucius B., 98. 
Tucker Family, 219. 

Ann, 171. 

Anna, 204. 

Byron, 98, 218. 

Daniel, Jr., 59,60. 

David, 76, 89, 106, 134, 139. 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 



Tncker, Frederick. 98. 

Maria M., 117. 

Mary, 161. 

Medad K., 75, 8-2. 117, 134. 
179, -216. 

Reuben, Capt., 46, fiO. 

Samuel, 197, 223. 

Sheldon, 115, 130, 171. 

Sheldon C, 105, 134. 219, 222. 

Styles, 161. 

Susannah, 197. 

William, 125. 

Zephaniah, 60, 130. 204. 
Turkey Hill, 39. 
Turner. Rev. Chester W., 178. 
Tuthill. William, 76, 82. 
Tattle. Abraham, 222. 

Benjamin, 56. 

E. L., 152. 

Eliza, 111. 115, 202. 

Lucius, 79, 82, 85. 

Rebecca, 222. 

WaUace M., 13, 14. 16. 19. 
Tuttle & Bassett, 79. 
Twitchel!, David, 47. 

John, 43. 

Joseph, 209. 

Miss, 72. 

Rayner, 220. 

Robert, 224. 

Umberfleld, Catharine, 109. 

WiEJs, 182, 183. 
Uminger, William, 98. 
Uncou, 37. 
Union Bank, 26. 
Union Mercantile Co. , 86. 
United States Pin Co.. 142. 
Upson Family, 164. 

George, 134. 

Harnet, 198. 

Hiram, 79, 87, 98, 109, 112, 
132, 152, 198. 

Leroy, 164. 

Miss, 111. 

Sarah, 198. 
Upson Manufacturing Co., 87. 
Upson Post, No. 40, G. A.R.,135 

Value of Indian Lands, 5. 
Vicker, Joseph, 210. 
Village Directory in 1849, 79. 
Vincent, Mitchell, 134. 
Vinton, Rev. Joseph. 1S2. 135. 
Vose T. & Co., 126. 

Adam, 52, 53. 

John B., 210. 

Wagner, George, 211. 
Wainright, Rt. Rev. Bishop, 28. 
Wakelee, Lewis, 31. 
Wakeley, Lilly, 109. 
Wakeman, Mr., 187. 

WUliam, 208. 
Wakeman & Stodddard, "I. 
Waldo, Judge, 203. 
Walker, Aaron, 98. 

Josephine A., Ill, 112. 

Wm. L., Rev., 27, 77, 79. 

Zacharish, Rev., 187. 
Wain, Lewis, 68. 
Ward, John, 115. 

Pet«r, 134. 

William, 53, 56. 

William S., 98. 

William H., 118. 
Warner, Ann, 168. 

Ebenezer, 21, 47. 

Egbert R., 139. 

Jacob, 56. 

Juliette, 164. 

Mercy, 204. 

William H., 118. 



Warren, Henry, 111, 152. 
Col. Seth, 156. 
WUford I., 16. 
Washband, Bowers. 25. 
Eli, 52. 
John, 42. 
Josiah, 47. 
Washbon, Ephraim, 188. 
Washborn, Josiah, 95, 57. 
Washburn, Bowers, 42, 52. 

Ebenezer, Rev., 174, 175, 177 
Ephraim, 44. 
Experience, 163. 
George, Mrs., 13. 
John, 155. 
Josiah, 56, 57. 
Ruth, 193. 
Smith, 130. 
Wa.shington, Gen., 123. 
Waters, George W., 215. 

, 210. 

Waterbury, Charles, 158. 
Watson, Wm. B., 78, 112. 182. 
Wattles, Maria, 109. 
Way, Ad^ ie, 224. 
Hannah, 226. 
Weaver, Robert A., 16. 
Webster, Aaron, 52. 
Ann, 218. 
Clark, 220. 
Rev. Wm. R., 180. 
Sarah, 160. 
Susannah, 204. 

, 212. 

Weed, John, Jonas, Joseph, 43. 
Weld, Capt., Joseph, 166. 

Barbara, 166. 
Wells, Prudence, 167. 
Welton, Miss, 223. 
Wesquantuc, 52. 
Weston, Wilson, 78, 139. 

Jube, 106. 
Wotmore, Hester, 208, 209. 
Wheden, Mary, 225. 
Wheeler Family, 161, 39. 
Abel, 56, 131, 133, 229. 
Almira, 130. 
Amos, 226. 
Aphia E., 210. 
Bronson, 205. 
David, 52. 
Edwin, 76. 
Experience, 59. 
Henry, 25, 139. 
James, 200. 
Joel, 223. 

John C, 113, 114, 121, 162. 
John, Hon., 162. 
John T., 39, 113, 115, 130,162. 
Lyman, 171. 
Moses, 56. 
Mrs., 152. 
Nathan, 21, 59. 
Robert, 48. 
Ruth, 204. 

Samuel, Lieut., 46, 47. 
Sarah, 204. 
Sarah C, 130. 
Sally, 10, 159. 
Simeon, 204. 
Simon, 130, 157. 
White, Abner, 199. 
Anios G., 134, 152. 
Augustus, 98. 
CalvLu, Rev., 26. 
Charies P., 134. 
Daniel, 19.74,114,116,117,121. 
Daniel, Mis., 12. 
Eliza M., 17(1. 

Isaac, 111,112.115,130,132,216 
Jiunes, 98. 
Joel, 19, 111. 
John, 25, 51, 113, 130. 



243 

White. Miss, 152. 
Nathan, 78. 
Rebecca, 216. 
W. W., 134. 
Whitel.v, Jo.seph, 139. 
Whittiild, Rev. George, 19,127. 
Whitiii-, .Mr., 27. 
Wliitlo. U, l.eiiian, 102. 
Wliitinaii, Rev. Samuel, 167. 
Whitney, John. 15. 
Heiiry. 45. 
Ranford. 47. 
Wliittemore, Ebenezer Turel, 21, 
45, 146, 147. 
David, 52. 
W. H., 134, 140. 
Whittlesev, Roger Newton. 211. 
Wilcox, Jabez, 217. 
M. A., 152. 
Miss, 117. 
Wilcox.sou, Nathan J., 132. 

Joseph J., 89, 90, 101, 102, 
103, 105, 152. 
Wild Animals, Bounty for kill- 
ing, 7. 
Wilder, Martha J., 216. 

Elizabeth, 202. 
Wildman, Sidney R., 132. 
WilUams, David, 15. 
James, 168. 
Lewis, 114. 
Miss, 152. 

Rt. Rev. Bishop, 28. 
William, Rev., 106. 
Willis, Jane, 157. 
Wine, Samuel, 108, 128, 132, 133. 
Winterbottom, John. 62, 126. 
Wiuthrop, John, 37. 
Wiswel, James, 180. 

Wolfe, , 213. 

Wood, Rev. Abner, 174. 

Samuel, 52. 
Woodbridge, 6, 41, 63. 
Rev. Benjamin, 53. 
Woodbury and Seymour Plank 

Road Co., 87. 
Woodcock, Anna, 154. 
Woodford, H. A., 117. 

Mary, 159. 
Woodiu, Hezekiah, 21, 47. 52. 

Thomas, 56. 
Wooding, David, 217. 

Lemuel, 147. 
Woodrulf, John W., 134. 
Oscar L., 218. 
V. S., 162. 
Woodward, Israel, 167. 

Sarah, 167. 
Woolsey, Rev., Elijah, 119, 175. 
WoosTER Family, 223. 
Abraham, 47. 

B.!nnett, 70, 75, 82, 104. 116. 
Charles A., 101, 102, 105. 
ChariesB., 82, 84,89,90,104,107 
Clark, Gon., 71, 74, 79, S5,90, 

104, 128, 155. 
Daniel, 140, 195, 201,231.232. 
David, 6, 140, 147, 200. 
David, Jun., 140, 147. 
Dilavan, 220. 
Edward, 187. 
Edwin, 200, 215. 
Eleanor, 160. 
Eleazer, 46. 
Elizabeth, 131, 200. 
Ephraim, 25, 151. 
Eunice, 131. 
Francis E., 110, 152. 
Grace, 130. 

Henry, 56,110,116,130,132,145 
Henry, Jun., 146, 147, 149. 
JaneM., 110, 152. 
John, 40,41,100,131,145,160. 



244 



HISTORY OF SEYMOUR. 



Wooster, John, Capt., 48. 146. 
Joseph, 209. 
Juliette, 110. 
Leslie B., 98. 
Mary A., 111. 
Naomi, 206. 
Nathaniel, 195. 
Nathan K., 89,102,103,104,105 
PhUo, 132. 
Euth, 187. 
Samuel, 47. 
Silvester, 40. 



Wooster, Simeon, 42. 

Thomas, 146. 

Timothy, 43. 

Walter, 47. 
Wooster, Dean & Buckingham, 

Wooster Park, 8. 
WorruU & Hudson, 120. 
Worth, Mrs. Mary, 14. 
Peter, 103, 108, 152. 
Worthin^ton, Elizabeth, 185. 
Wyant, Frank E., 16. 



Wyant, George S., 98, 226.' '' 

Leonard, 101, 102. 

Polly, 168. 

Wilson, 73, 76, 98, 105, 112 
182. 
Wyllis, George, 232. 

Tale, M. D., 74, 79, 209. 
Tatman, James, 52. 
Youngs, DeUa, 157. 

Zurcher, Carl, 103. 



ERRATA AND ADDITIONS 



Page 41, fourth Une from bottom of page, the term King was appliea to David, son of Squire David 

Page 72, tenth line, Randall should be Lindley. 

Page 90, eighth line, after " April 7th," insert " 1862." 

Page 108, under "Great HiU School," second line, for pages 19 and 2t tg to 151. 

Page 134, addH. B. Beecherto list of charter members of Mechanics' JLodge, and Samuel P. Davis and 

and W. C. Sharpe to list of charter members of Humphrey Lodge. 
Page 162, third Une from bottom, for John Todd Wheeler read John O. Wheeler. 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



View of the Falls and Vicinity, Frontispiece. 

Pine Tree Shilling, p^^.^ 03 

Granbt Copper, 93 

Connecticut Cent., 2^ 

General Humphrey, ^g 

Humphreysville in 1815, gj. 

Humphreysville in 1838, 7q 

LuGRAND Sharp, ^ 227 

James Swan's Mechanics' Tool Works, 141. 

Hon. John Wheeler Ig3 

Abiram Stoddard, M. D., I65 

Coat of Arms of the Stoddard Family, 165 

Joseph Nettleton Stoddard, 166 

Maria Theresa Stoddard, Igg v 

Sheldon Clark, Esq., 227 

Centennial Art Gallery, 2^0 



